Focusing on better supporting Albertans experiencing mental health crises, the Alberta RCMP are expanding their Regional Police and Crisis Teams (RPACT), a collaborative partnership with Alberta Health Services (AHS). Recognizing the importance of providing appropriate and timely care, RPACT provides a crisis response team that is able to intervene, assess, and work to stabilize individuals in the community.
An RPACT team is comprised of an RCMP officer and a Mental Health therapist from AHS, who respond together to mental health calls in the community. The combination of law enforcement resources paired with mental health expertise ensures that an appropriate response is delivered, while ensuring public safety.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, in any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness. In 2020, there were over 20,000 files in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction related to the Mental Health Act. The Alberta RCMP have created a phased implementation plan that will have Regional Police and Crisis Teams available to all Alberta RCMP detachments over the coming three years. RPACT began operating in the Edmonton area in 2011 and has grown to include teams in Red Deer, Grande Prairie, and Airdrie.
Currently, Regional Police and Crisis Teams cover 14 RCMP detachments. RPACT assesses clients and conducts community interventions when possible, aiming to connect clients with community resources and divert service delivery from hospital emergency departments when appropriate. Through a coordinated response to mental health situations in the community, RPACT provides timely interventions and reduces the burden on the health care system.
"On behalf of St. Paul, we are grateful to be chosen as a regional PACT location. The unified collaboration of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Alberta Health Services and RCMP within our community will add a tremendous support to many challenges we face."
- Maureen Miller, Mayor of St. Paul
The Alberta RCMP is committed to providing appropriate mental health supports that will enhance public safety and community wellbeing throughout the province.