Mental health professionals working side by side with police officers has proven to be a mutually beneficial partnership. The mental health workers are part of the recently launched Project IMPACT Team.
Tuesday the Belleville Police Services Board saw two letters of commendation, one from a Project IMPACT member praising a Belleville police officer and another from an officer complimenting the work of an IMPACT worker.
Inspector Sheri Meeks told the board that officers wish the mental health professionals could be with them 24/7.
“Right now they’re not because of obvious resources issues but yes, they’re more than busy at this point in time and a lot of officers are saying how did we function without them.”
IMPACT members work out of Belleville Police headquarters and accompany officers providing assistance on calls involving people in distress. IMPACT members also work with Quinte West OPP and the program is being organized for the Prince Edward and Central Hastings OPP detachments.
Belleville Police Service Inspector Sheri Meeks. (Photo: Quinte News)
