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Emergency Department

Brandon Crisis Response Unit partners police with mental health crisis supports

Prairie Mountain Health and the Brandon Police Service continue to promote the benefits of a program that provides mental health services on the scene of police crisis calls.

Launched last fall, the Prairie Mountain Health-Brandon Police Service Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a joint initiative between the Brandon Police Service (BPS) and Prairie Mountain Health (PMH). The unit pairs a BPS officer with a mental health clinician from Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) to respond to calls where people are experiencing a mental health crisis. The goal is to de-escalate situations and provide clinical intervention, with coverage offered seven days a week.

Cst. Joss, member of the Crisis Response Unit with Brandon Police Services
Cst. Joss, member of the Brandon Police Service, Crisis Response Unit

Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe were on hand in Brandon Jan.19 to announce $290,000 in ongoing funding to support a team including two full-time police officers and three full-time mental health clinicians, along with peer support workers from Peer Connections Manitoba.

BPS and PMH have developed policies, safety protocols and a triaging system that includes pathways to engage community agencies. Two BPS constables are dedicated to the unit, which is also staffed by mental health professionals and peer support workers to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health calls.

The announcement comes as local officials highlight the importance of compassionate crisis intervention for families and residents.

“The crisis response unit represents a critical step forward in how we respond to mental health crises, bringing police, health professionals and community partners together to deliver timely, trauma-informed care with dignity and compassion,” said Tyler Bates, chief, BPS. “This unit is already reducing unnecessary hospital transfers, supporting front-line officers and ensuring people in crisis are connected to the right help, strengthening community safety and well-being.”

“The new PMH-BPS Collaborative Crisis Response Unit is a significant step forward in how Brandon supports individuals experiencing mental health or addiction crises,” said Chris Bromley, director of health services, mental health and addiction, PMH. “This unit builds on PMH’s existing crisis resources. PMH continues to operate its 24-hour Mobile Crisis Unit, and the Brandon area benefits from a strong Community Mobilization Westman program. Together, these teams create a more coordinated and comprehensive response system for people in crisis in our community.”

The project supports the mandate of the Department of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness to hire 100 mental health workers to work alongside law enforcement and community organizations, Smith noted.