The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Tampa Police Department announced a new program that will send certain mental health calls to intervention professionals.
Starting in the summer, 911 will dispatch a call with a non-police specialist if someone is in crisis but is also unarmed, not on substances and it is not a domestic violence case. They aim to respond to these scenarios with workers specifically trained for such emergencies.
Ken Gibson, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay senior director, laid out the goals of the program.
“What we are trying to do is reduce the amount of times police or fire have to be dispatched in a non- police/fire [situation] where, if its someone who needs to just be de-escalated, and maybe be connected to different community resources,” he said.
The announcement follows several national incidences involving mentally ill people and law-enforcement officials, including the recent shooting of Ryan Gainer, an autistic teenager, by California deputies.
The deputies shot Gainer during a mental health crisis. They fired at the teen three times after he allegedly confronted them with a shovel. Gainer died as a result of the encounter.
Florida wildlife baby season means locals should be extra careful
Baby season for Florida wildlife kicked off earlier this month and extends through September.
The stretch of the year brings an overwhelming number of newborn animals. It’s a busy time for sanctuaries.
“We have baby screech owls. We have baby hatchling gopher tortoises hatching. At the same time we have a million songbirds,” said Kris Porter, Owl’s Nest Sanctuary founder. “So, that being said, there isn’t anything right now that probably isn’t breeding, have a nest, or on eggs or has babies.”
Young animals left alone often seem to need help. However, people should not assist offspring under most circumstances. Intervention might scare away parents and, when help is needed, it should be done by a professional.
Porter went through what people should do if they come upon a baby.
“If you don’t have a direct phone number you call Florida Fish and Game hotline and they will give you the closest rehab to you,” she said. “Most likely it has to be left alone, but we do have situations where nests fall apart and things like that, but the majority of my calls during the day is ‘please don’t touch it.'”
The Owl’s Nest Sanctuary is based in Odessa. They rescue, rehabilitate, and release native wildlife in need.
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