BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESPONSE UNIT
The Behavioral Health Response Unit (BHRU) was established in November 2021 to address the growing number of calls related to mental health, substance use, homelessness, and ongoing family or domestic issues. The BHRU aims to reduce the need for Tustin PD patrol officers to respond to non-violent or non-criminal incidents and to minimize the time patrol officers spend on such calls before transferring management to BHRU personnel. BHRU staff collaborate closely with the Police Department, the Orange County Health Care Agency, community and private providers, City of Tustin personnel, and other key stakeholders. Examples of partners include the Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO), Community Impact Officer (CIO), Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), City Net, Tustin Temporary Emergency Shelter (TTES) staff, and Be Well Orange County. A primary goal of the BHRU is to implement innovative strategies that reduce recidivism for mental health–related calls while enhancing the quality and effectiveness of behavioral health interventions for individuals in the City of Tustin.The Behavioral Health Response Unit (BHRU) was established in November of 2021 to address the increased calls for service related to the issues of mental health, substance use and abuse, homelessness, and ongoing family/domestic issues. The BHRU strives to work towards reducing the need for Tustin PD patrol officers to respond to non-violent and/or non-criminal calls for service, as well as work towards reducing the amount of time that patrol officers are required to spend at an incident prior to transferring management of an incident over to a member of BHRU. BHRU personnel work collaboratively with the police department, the Orange County Health Care Agency, community providers, private providers, City of Tustin personnel, and other community stakeholders. Examples of departments/agencies that BHRU staff may collaborate with include: the Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO), the Community Impact Officer (CIO), the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT), City Net, Tustin Temporary Emergency Shelter (TTES) personnel, and Be Well Orange County. One of the BHRU’s main goals is to develop and utilize innovative strategies to reduce recidivism of mental health related calls for service, and to increase the response in addressing the behavioral health needs for individuals in the City of Tustin. TASKS: Respond to field calls involving a potential mental health component, providing prompt support to patrol officers and individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis Assist or relieve patrol officers on calls for service, as appropriate, to allow for efficient incident management Conduct follow-up with individuals identified as frequent callers to address their needs and reduce repeat calls for service Connect individuals with appropriate resources, including County and community clinics, private providers, substance abuse services, detox programs, grief support, and homelessness assistance Collaborate with external agencies to ensure timely and appropriate care for individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges 2025-2026 ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The BHRU Manager joined the Police Department’s Peer Support Team and successfully completed all required training, enhancing internal wellness and support capabilities BHRU personnel completed a 40-hour Basic Hostage Negotiations course, further strengthening crisis response skills and operational readiness The BHRU Manager completed continuing education units to maintain clinical licensure, with focused training in Ethical Practices with Older Adults, Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias, Illicit Drug Use in the United States, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Supported Emergency Operations by teaching Disaster Psychology biannually as part of the Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) program Maintained active engagement in regional and local coordination efforts, including participation in NITF meetings, quarterly Countywide Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) meetings, monthly coordination meetings with TTES shelter staff, and monthly homeless outreach alongside City Net to provide mental health support and resources
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