Tampa P.D., Crisis Center of Tampa Bay announce new partnership [Video]

TAMPA, Fla. — This week marks national public safety telecommunications week.

It recognizes people who answer 911 calls and help with a wide range of crisis situations — including mental health and behavioral issues.

The Tampa Police Department used the occasion to announce a new partnership with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

It places mental health specialists trained to de-escalate such situations directly in the 911 call center. It is also designed police resources and head-off what could become an unnecessary confrontation.

The Intervention Dispatch Service program starts this summer, with half a dozen full-time mental health crisis workers sitting shoulder to shoulder with TPD dispatchers.

“That’s very important,” said Deputy Chief Calvin Johnson, “Because historically the police would be the ones to deal with these calls.”

“We have been studying this and …