Halifax hopes to launch civilian crisis response team in 2025
Halifax is set to introduce a groundbreaking pilot project in the upcoming year that aims to revolutionize crisis response by utilizing civilian experts instead of traditional police intervention. The initiative, spearheaded by the municipality’s community safety department, has been in the works for the past year, with extensive consultations with non-profits, law enforcement agencies, and in-depth research on similar programs in other cities.
Amy Siciliano, Halifax’s public safety adviser, envisions a free service that will operate 24/7, consisting of teams of two individuals equipped with a range of specialized training in non-violent crisis intervention, mental health support, and suicide prevention. These teams will be dispatched to non-violent situations where weapons are not involved, providing a much-needed alternative to the current reliance on police or the provincial Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team.
The city is fully funding the pilot project, with plans to issue a request for proposals in 2025 to select a service provider to manage the program. The specific operational area for the pilot is yet to be determined, but the ultimate goal is to offer a comprehensive crisis response service to the community.
The decision to implement a civilian crisis response model was influenced by recommendations from various reports, including Halifax’s 2022 report on defunding the police and the city’s public safety strategy approved by regional council in 2023. The initiative aims to address the complex needs of individuals in distress, offering mental health support, safe transportation, basic necessities, advocacy, and connections to other essential services.
Jamie Livingston, a criminology professor at Saint Mary’s University, emphasizes the importance of shifting away from police-led crisis responses, citing a survey that revealed a high level of discomfort among individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues when police are involved. With over 180 communities worldwide adopting civilian-led crisis teams, Halifax is following suit to provide more tailored and effective support to those in need.
Both Halifax Regional Police and Halifax RCMP have expressed support for civilian-led crisis teams, recognizing the potential benefits of reallocating resources and enhancing community care. Drawing inspiration from successful models like REACH Edmonton, Halifax aims to establish a responsive and compassionate approach to crisis intervention, focusing on the well-being and safety of individuals in distress.
As the pilot project takes shape, collaboration with organizations like the YWCA in Halifax will further enhance the program’s ability to support individuals in various challenging situations. Although the provincial government has not committed funding to the Halifax initiative, a similar project is underway in a rural area of Nova Scotia, signaling a growing trend towards community-based crisis response models.
With a soft launch expected in the early months of the new year, Halifax’s civilian crisis response pilot project holds promise for a more inclusive and effective approach to supporting individuals in crisis. By prioritizing mental health, well-being, and community care, the initiative seeks to pave the way for a more compassionate and holistic approach to crisis intervention in the region.
