EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) has launched a new pilot program aimed at helping incarcerated people experiencing emotional or behavioral distress.
The TRUST (Therapeutic Response Unit and Stabilization Team) program provides a therapeutic response to situations experienced by inmates at the El Paso County Jail. The team will respond to inmates experiencing a behavioral health crisis and will also be responsible for engaging in-jail competitions.
The TRUST team also provides individualized advice and includes; service planning, diagnostic and medication referrals, along with behavior modification and transition planning. The team also ensures that ongoing care and access to resources are provided.
“Addressing mental health issues is a priority for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office,” says EPSO Sheriff Bill Elder. “People experiencing a behavioral health crisis will now have an opportunity for better police response in jail.”
The specialized unit has two doctors and a supervisor, all trained in crisis response. During the initiative’s initial month, EPSO says the program has been successful in reducing the escalation of prisoners experiencing acute and prolonged emotional distress.
The TRUST team also assists EPSO MEPs with de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies, which are geared towards recovery and resilience.
“This interaction will provide the best results for those in crisis. I am committed to making sure our workforce is well prepared to respond to and deal with this segment of our population,” says Elder.
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