Calgary Police and Crisis Team partnership expands staff, hours
A pact between Alberta Health Services and Calgary police is being strengthened, which will see the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) add four hours of coverage, making it available 22-hours-a-day.
PACT pairs police officers with mental health clinicians to divert people who are in crisis — and suffering mental illness and addiction issues — from the justice system and hospital emergency departments.
Individuals are assessed and stabilized within the community then they and their families are connected with resources and supports.
PACT will now respond to calls between 6 a.m. and 4 a.m. daily, up from being available 18 hours (6 a.m. to midnight). The day shift has also doubled its capacity to respond to incoming calls.
"PACT works because of the great partnership that AHS has with CPS and community providers," said Colleen Karran, AHS director, Calgary zone adult south and geriatric mental health.
"Working together, our PACT teams make decisions in collaboration with families and the community to provide the best support we can to the individual experiencing addiction and mental health distress,” says
The expansion was made possible through the hiring of six additional AHS clinicians and six police officers through funding from the new Community Safety Investment Framework, which aims to support Calgarians in crisis due to mental health concerns, addiction or other similar challenges.
Funding for the PACT expansion is being allocated from CPS’ $8-million commitment to address this work. AHS has also directed about $625,000 to support the initiative.
More than 5,100 people have been assisted by PACT since the program launched in 2009.
"We know that people experiencing a mental health crisis deserve and need specialized care," said Staff Sgt. Peter Duchnij of the CPS restorative justice unit.
"Since its inception, PACT has made a meaningful difference and we know this increase in their mandate will better serve our community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.