Full Notification

The Petaluma Police Department would like to invite community members to join us tonight for a public forum on mental health from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the Petaluma Library.  This year alone our department has responded to 1413 calls for service where officers are tasked with checking the welfare of individuals throughout our community, many of whom are in the midst of experiencing a mental health crisis.   These calls often times present dangerous conditions for our officers and the involved individuals.  Our officers receive specialized crisis intervention training for just these situations.  Our goal is to provide professional police services while seeking the safest solution for all those who are involved. 
 
Members of the Petaluma Police Department will be present and accompanied by representatives of Sonoma County Department of Health Services- Behavioral Health Division, Petaluma Health Center, Petaluma Peer Recovery, Buckelew Programs, Petaluma People Services Center, Making Magic Happen, and the Mobile Support Team (MST).  We hope that through this collaboration our department, community, and these organizations can work together to improve the quality of life and help those experiencing challenges related to mental health.
 
The forum is open to all members of our community especially friends and families of those who suffer from mental health disorders.  Information will be provided on current mental health trends, how to report someone in crisis, what resources are available, what law enforcement response to expect, mental health detentions, and what happens after a report is made. 
 
The holiday season is a stressful time of year and calls for service of those in distress increase.  If you or any one you know is in need of help; call your local law enforcement agency, the organizations listed above, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
 
We look forward to meeting and speaking with members of our community tonight at the meeting.