INDIANAPOLIS — IMPD’s Mobile Crisis Assistance Teams (MCAT) operates all across the city, pairing officers with trained Eskenazi Health clinicians to handle mental health-related calls. The unit works daily with the Indianapolis Office of Public Health & Safety’s Clinician Lead Community Response (CLCR) Team, allowing law enforcement to address safety concerns while trained professionals provide critical mental health expertise and resources. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in connecting those experiencing mental health-related crises with the critical resources they need.
So far this year, MCAT has responded to 2,732 active mental health-related calls. For many of these calls, detectives and clinicians dedicated significant time — often an hour or more — engaging with individuals, understanding their unique challenges, and connecting them to appropriate resources. Support for family members and others in the household is also provided when needed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care.
But the work doesn’t stop with the initial call. Throughout the year, MCAT detectives completed more than a thousand follow ups and home visits. These follow ups and home visits not only help ensure individuals are receiving and maintaining continued care but also allows MCAT to build rapport and create stronger relationships with community members.
Mental health is an issue that impacts so many across our community and it’s a priority we all share. For non-violent crisis situations, we encourage community members to use the new 988 number, offering a direct and effective alternative to 911 for emergencies that do not require police involvement. The 988 number is staffed with trained crisis counselors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also dial 988 if a loved one needs crisis support.