CIRC postcard

CIRC Communications Initiated Referral to Crisis

Many callers utilize 9-1-1 services to address common mental health incidents, even though some would be better served by a more immediate connection to mental health services.

Diverting qualified calls to a certified counselor at Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center facilitates a more appropriate level of response when it is needed most.

See reverse for more information on how these decisions are made.

Howard County Police Department

MENTAL HEALTH SECTION

10741 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia (410) 313-2207 | HCPD.org

Police dispatchers are trained to ask the following questions: Does the caller present immediate risk of harm to self or others?

Do they have access to a weapon?

Have they made a plan to selfharm or hurt someone else?

Are they under the influence of drugs or alcohol?

Are they under 18?

NO TO ALL

YES TO ANY

The caller will be asked if they would like to talk to a counselor.

YES

NO

The call is transferred to

An officer responds.