Funding Approved for a Clinician Partner, Beaverton MHRT Officer Selected
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The Mental Health Response Team (MHRT) is a valuable countywide crisis response program that responds to individuals in a mental health crisis and safely attempts to help them during those crises without hospitalization or enforcement action. Washington County partners with Lifeworks NW to provide mental health clinicians on the MHRT. These clinicians are then paired with Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies who are highly trained in de-escalation techniques necessary to participate in the MHRT. This co-responder model uses a collaborative approach to provide mental health services to individuals in crisis to ensure the safety of the community and each individual who is in crisis.
On March 30, 2021, the Beaverton City Council authorized the Mayor to sign an Interagency Teams Agreement allowing the Beaverton Police Department to coordinate with Washington County to select a Beaverton police officer to serve as a member on the MHRT. Officer Brad Sutton interviewed for the assignment and was selected. Officer Sutton’s in-depth training with MHRT is underway.
On July 20, 2021, the Beaverton City Council agreed to provide Washington County with sufficient funds to add an additional mental health clinician position to the MHRT for one fiscal year, which ends on June 30, 2022. A clinician has been hired and will work on-assignment with Officer Sutton to mental health related calls for service.
For more Beaverton Police Department information, visit www.beavertonpolice.org
