Pasco Sheriff’s Office is committed to finding ways to travel upstream with crime prevention. One of the ways we accomplish this is by addressing mental health, an element of which is seen in roughly 80 percent of our calls for service. Although mental health is a healthcare issue, it can often have a law enforcement element, ranging anywhere from those who are trespassing as a way to find shelter for a night, to those experiencing a mental health crisis and posing a threat to themselves or others. By assisting our citizens in finding ways to address these challenges, it can lead to a reduction in calls to emergency services.
Mental health has no single profile or common case, and meeting the unique needs for an individual’s mental wellbeing can come in many forms. Behavioral health cases require proper communication and outreach to establish trust. BHIT detectives build meaningful relationships through trust with their clients, while connecting citizens with resources in our community. This can include assisting clients with transportation to appointments, finding low cost medication and reassuring needs are met as much as possible. PSO’s BHIT includes detectives with a variety of specialities to best fit a citizen’s needs, from working with those that have survived an overdose, to connecting with children or veterans that have traumatic experiences or specific medical conditions, to responding to scenes with a mental health counselor, or providing animal-assisted therapy K-9s to bring calm to a stressful situation. Read more about a few BHIT specialities:
Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) K-9s provide a soothing presence to reduce stress and provide comfort to those in a difficult situation. These K-9s can make situations less overwhelming by allowing the individual to focus on the K-9 instead. Each AAT K-9 is certified as an AKC Canine Good Citizen and is a certified therapy K-9, who continually train to best serve in their role. PSO’s BHIT currently has two such teams, both of whom are shelter-rescued dogs.
Co-Responder Unit
BHIT’s Co-Responder unit consists of a BHIT detective paired with a licensed mental health professional, providing twice the perspective at a call for service. While the detective responds as a law enforcement presence, maintaining and evaluating the situation for safety of others as well as themselves, the mental health professional is able to give expedited diagnostic treatment to the individual in crisis. At the same time, the BHIT detective is trained in what resources are available in the community that best fit an individual. Open conversation with the individual helps to identify if they are in crisis and provides clues to with what they are struggling. The mental health professional can assess and evaluate any conditions to provide a referral for care. Regardless of the nature of the call, the co-responder team can assist and provide a transition of care.
Overdose Recovery Outreach
PSO’s BHIT also includes a detective dedicated to following up with those who recently experienced an overdose, connecting them with resources, as well as support, to seek recovery. With a mission to help people, Det. Kane pursued a career in law enforcement after completing a degree in Psychology. BHIT was the perfect opportunity to pair his passion for helping others with law enforcement. Det. Kane shared many individuals who overdose often suffer from not having a professional diagnosis or treatment for mental health combined with trying to self-medicate with recreational drugs. PSO’s BHIT helps citizens overcome common constraints such as transportation, scheduling stability, proper medication procedures and cost.
BHIT detectives have shared that support systems can provide encouragement and accountability for mental health and recovery. Sharing a positive approach to mental health through welcoming conversation may resolve feelings of isolation. Recovery is a journey and can take time. If someone you know struggles with mental health, offering support can truly aid their recovery. PSO understands that many individuals often struggle to find help when they need it most. PSO’s BHIT has compiled Pasco community-based resources on our website to provide citizens with a starting point on the road to recovery and stability. Resources are available for various challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues, houselessness, suicidal thoughts and more.
May is National Water Safety Month! Our warm Florida weather provides the perfect swimming days. PSO urges citizens to practice water safety when enjoying the boat, pool or beach. These can create possible dangers for children who do not know how to swim and those unaware of important water safety. Familiarize yourself with the water safety tips below before heading into the water.
Are you looking for a career change? PSO has the following open positions:
For all of our career opportunities visit JoinPSO.com
Free Food Distribution
Pasco Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with Farm Share, Pasco County NAACP and Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay for a free community food distribution! The next food distribution event will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee on Thursday, May 26 and will begin at 9 a.m. It’s first come first served, so come out early! We’re thrilled to connect our community to this resource.
Coffee with PSO
Join PSO Tuesday, May 17 at 9 a.m. for a morning of coffee and conversation as we host Coffee with PSO at Aroma Joe’s. PSO deputies will be on hand to answer questions and get to know their community.
Want to be the first to know?
Sign up for future updates direct to your inbox, or download the Pasco Sheriff News App Today!
