HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.17.2022 Commission on Equity and Public Safety Agenda PacketMonday, October 17, 2022
6:00 PM
City of South San Francisco
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
Teleconference
Commission on Equity and Public Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
1
October 17, 2022Commission on Equity and Public
Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
Welcome to the Regular Meeting of the Commission on Equity and Public Safety. The regular meetings are held
on the third Monday of each month. The following is a general outline of our procedures.
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Brown Act as currently in effect under the provisions of
Assembly Bill 361 which allows attendance by members of the Commission, City staff and the public to
participate and conduct the meeting by teleconference.
In accordance with California Government Code Section 54957.5, any writing or document that is a public
record, relates to an open session agenda item, and is distributed less than 72 hours prior to a regular meeting
will be made available for public inspection at the City Manager's Office in City Hall. If, however, the document
or writing is not distributed until the regular meeting to which it relates, then the document or writing will be
made available to the public at the location of the meeting, as listed on this agenda.
The public may view or comment during this meeting from a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone:
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://ssf-net.zoom.us/j/85862947353
Or One tap mobile:
US: +16699006833,,85862947353# or +13462487799,,85862947353#
Or Telephone:
Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 669 900 6833 or +1 346 248 7799 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 858 6294 7353
How to provide Public Comment during the meeting:
Please note that dialing in will only allow you to listen in on the meeting. To make a public comment during the
Zoom session, join the meeting from your computer or mobile device, enter your name, and request to comment
by selecting "Raise Hand" in Zoom and a staff person will add you to the queue for comments and unmute your
microphone during the comment period. Please be sure to indicate the Agenda item number you wish to
address or the topic of your public comment. California law prevents the Commission from taking action on any
item not on the Agenda (except in emergency circumstances). Your question or problem may be referred to
staff for investigation and/or action where appropriate or the matter may be placed on a future Agenda for more
comprehensive action or report.
COMMENTS ARE LIMITED TO THREE (3) MINUTES PER SPEAKER. Thank you for your cooperation.
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October 17, 2022Commission on Equity and Public
Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
How to provide Public Comment before the meeting:
Members of the public wishing to participate are encouraged to submit public comments in writing in advance of
the meeting. The email and phone line below will be monitored during the meeting and public comments
received will be read into the record. The City encourages the submission of comments by 6:00 pm before the
start of the meeting, to facilitate inclusion in the meeting record. A maximum of 3 minutes per individual
comment will be read into the record. Comments that are not in compliance with the Commission’s rules of
decorum may be summarized for the record rather than read verbatim.
Email: [email protected]
Staff Phone Number: (650) 291-5643
Share a Concern about Employee Compliance with City Regulations or Policy
The Commission provides an alternative channel for members of the public to share concerns regarding
compliance with City policies and applicable laws by City personnel. This process is under the South San
Francisco municipal code, chapter 8.25. If you wish to share your concern, including in the format of a
complaint, under this section of the municipal code, you can do so during Public Comment. The Commission
cannot investigate complaints but will refer the complaint to the Human Resources Department in accordance
with the municipal code. Confidential personnel information will not be shared.
Translation Services
The City of South San Francisco proactively provides live interpretation and translation of agendas for
community members that are not proficient in the English language. Materials can be translated into Spanish,
Tagalog, and Chinese (Cantonese).
How to Request these Services
To ensure the availability of services, members of the public must request assistance 72 hours in advance of the
meeting.
Members of the public can email the staff liaison, Amy Ferguson at [email protected], to request these
services. If email is not an option, you can also reach her at (650) 291-5643.
Servicios de Traducción
La Ciudad de Sur San Francisco ofrece traducciones de materiales escritos para los miembros de la comunidad
que no dominan el idioma inglés. Los materiales se traducen al español, tagalo y chino (cantonés).
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October 17, 2022Commission on Equity and Public
Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
Cómo Solicitar Estos Servicios
Para garantizar la disponibilidad de los servicios, miembros del público deben solicitar asistencia 72 horas antes
de la reunión.
Los miembros del público pueden enviar un correo electrónico a Amy Ferguson [email protected] para
solicitar estos servicios. Si correo electrónico no es una opción, también puede comunicarse al (650)
291-5643.
Mga serbisyo sa pagsasalin
Ang Lungsod ng Timog San Francisco ay aktibong nagbibigay ng live na interpretasyon at pagsasalin ng mga
agenda para sa mga miyembro ng komunidad na hindi bihasa sa wikang Ingles. Maaring isalin ang mga
materyales sa Espanyo, Tagalog at Chinese (Cantonese).
Paano Humiling ng mga serbisyong ito
Upang matiyak ang pagkakaroon ng mga serbisyo, ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay dapat humiling ng tulong
pitumpu’t dalawang (72) oras bago ang pulong.
Maaring mag-email ang mga miyembro ng publiko sa Staff Liaison, Amy Ferguson sa [email protected] at
sa opisina ng City Clerk sa [email protected] para hilingin ang mga serbisyong ito. Kung hindi opsyon ang email,
maari mo rin silang tawagan sa (650) 291-5643.
Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services to attend and participate in this
meeting should contact the ADA Coordinator at (650) 877-8518, 72 hours before the meeting.
If you have special questions, please contact the staff liaison in the City Manager's Office. Staff will
be pleased to answer your questions when the Commission is not in session.
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October 17, 2022Commission on Equity and Public
Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
Equity and Public Safety Commissioners
Krystle Cansino, Chair
Arnel Junio, Vice Chair
Salvador Delgadillo, Commissioner
PaulaClaudine Hobson-Coard, Commissioner
Alan Perez, Commissioner
Carol Sanders, Commissioner
Steven Yee, Commissioner
City of South San Francisco Staff
Amy Ferguson, Management Fellow
Leslie Arroyo, Communications Director
Maryjo Nunez, Management Fellow
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October 17, 2022Commission on Equity and Public
Safety
Regular Meeting Agenda
Call to Order.
Roll Call.
Reading of Land Acknowledgment.
Agenda Review.
Public Comment.
MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION
Introduction to New Commissioners, Salvador Delgadillo and Steven Yee1.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from September 19, 2022.2.
3. Debrief and Follow Up Discussion from Equity Commission October 6, 2022 Police Department Tour.
4. Recess - the Commission will take a short break of five minutes and return for the rest of the agenda.
Presentation Introduction to the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team.
(Mika Celli, Licensed Crisis Response Clinician)
5.
Discussion and Potential Action on Holding November and December 2022 Meetings.6.
Discussion Regarding Potential Equity Commission Retreat.7.
8. Future Agenda Suggestions.
Items from Commission and Staff.
Adjournment.
Tentative next meeting: November 21, 2022.
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-873 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:
Reading of Land Acknowledgment.
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Land
Acknowledgment
We want to acknowledge that we gather in San
Mateo County on the traditional land of the
Ohlone Peoples past and present, and honor
with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations. We honor and respect the Ohlone Peoples’ long history here that reaches beyond European colonization. We honor and respect the Indigenous people who lived and continue to live upon this territory, and whose practices and spiritualities are tied to the land and its other inhabitants today.
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-882 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:1.
Introduction to New Commissioners, Salvador Delgadillo and Steven Yee
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Commissioner Introductions
How do you describe yourself and your identities?
What is your background and expertise?
What do you hope to bring to this Commission?
What would you like to see this Commission achieve?
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-874 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:2.
Approval of Meeting Minutes from September 19, 2022.
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City of South San Francisco
Minutes of the Commission on Equity and Public Safety
Monday, September 19, 2022
Zoom Teleconference Meeting
6:00 pm
Committee Members:
Present: Krystle Cansino, PaulaClaudine Hobson-Coard, Arnel Junio, Alan Perez,
Carol Sanders
Absent: None
Staff Members:
Present: Amy Ferguson, Management Fellow
Maryjo Nuñez, Management Fellow
Guests: Leah Lockheart, Assistant City Manager Sharon Ranals,
Detective Juan Perez, Sgt. Amy Sariotti, Claire Lai, Chief Magallanes
CALL TO ORDER
This meeting was called to order at 6:01pm.
AGENDA REVIEW
There were no changes to the Agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes from the August 15, 2022, minutes were approved.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Commissioner Hobson-Coard presented the Land Acknowledgement to the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments were made.
MATTERS OF CONSIDERATIONS
1. Approval of Minutes
Vice Chair Junio motioned to approve the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Hobson-Coard. All
Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the minutes.
2. Presentation on Police Officer Crisis Intervention Team Training by Detective Juan Perez
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The Commission listed to the presentation and engaged in the following discussion:
CIT training
Vice Chair Junio shared that he is a veteran, and asked are these veterans with specialized education or
training or just volunteers? Detective Perez answered that those volunteers who want to share
experience whether good or bad so we can learn are welcome too.
Vice Chair Junio also asked are the numbers of transients/homeless increasing?
Detective Perez answered that the numbers are pretty constant, we have our regulars, but we do have
an influx of those who are living in their vehicles, not sure if they are considered transients.
Chair Cansino thinks that there is a piece missing and askes “when officers see a behavior, but it may
look like mental illness, but it could be medical like delirium, so this is an emergency medical
conditions… are our south city officers trained in this and on how to tell the difference?”
Detective Perez added that additional training is based on what SSFPD has seen. What they use
information on is to tailor their approach. Once the situation is deemed safe, then ok to proceed, and
SSFPF does have a medical response team that can come in and jump in once deemed safe.
Chair Cansino wanted to clarify that medics are always close to which Detective Perez stated that let’s
say we already seen someone getting injury, then we want medics close by, but this is for anyone in case
they get injured, so just a matter of trying to project.
Chair Cansino “what if they are catatonic? Do we have this kind of partnership so that officers aren’t
wasting time in the effect that it is a medical emergency.”
Sgt. Sariotti shared that they are trained in looking at delirium and 1150 symptoms, so since officers are
trained across the board and will be there; they will automatically dispatch SSFFD so that they are ready
to come in.
Chair Cansino appreciates what SSFPD is doing and appreciates what Detective Perez has shared with us.
Chair Cansino shared that the contact for the CIT division in SF, Lt. Molina is a South City resident, so if
want to use him as a resource, she is happy to share the contact.
Detective Perez is glad to see the City putting these commissions and committees together so that the
community can mingle.
3. Presentation on Trauma-Informed Policing by Sergeant Amy Sariotti
The Commission heard the presentation and engaged in the following discussion:
Trauma Informed Policing
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Vice Chair Junio shared that he is overwhelmed at the resources available for the community; he is a
veteran, so he asked what SSFPD is doing for their own officers when they experience something
traumatic.
Sgt. Sariotti shared that SSFPD does debriefs, will call the officer, and do a debrief in partnership with
HR/follow-up and peer support in the following weeks and months.
Chair Cansino mentioned that their crisis starts once they are told about the situation and asked if SSFPD
has a team that actually is with them for time.
Sgt. Sariotti stated that officers already do this already; we go through it with the family, some even help
families.
Chair Cansino asked about grief counsellors specifically; even asking like “what can I do to help?”
Sgt. Sariotti mentioned that not all crisis negotiators are trained in the same way, everyone has different
parts they experience, but some would have grief training; they keep records of what officers have
trainings and of what, so if they know that we need someone trained with grief, then SSFPD can call
them.
Chair Cansino asked if do SSFPD has a child crisis specific team?
Sgt. Sariotti stated that they would work closely with the Keller Center for medications, departmental
health, etc. If a child is having a crisis, they would like to utilize something like SMART, but for each
situation, they would determine who and what is needed in order to minimize traumatic interactions.
If they need someone who speaks another language, will reach out to other agencies for support, but
Language Line is last resort.
Chair Cansino added that if the video is updated, she would like to see more diversity.
Commissioner Sanders stated that this was enlightening and that she had no idea the range of services
in SSF and in San Mateo. She doesn’t see the level of homelessness in SSF compared to SF and so was
wondering if mental health patients were being dropped here and how do we handle it?
Sgt. Sariotti stated that this is not common, but because South City has a BART station and St. Vincent de
Paul, this is often how the City comes into contact with them, but no agency has specifically dropped
them off to our jurisdiction.
Cansino shared that officers can feel free to reach out if folks want a connection to SFPD.
4. Recess
The Commission took a brief recess and returned at 7:38pm.
5. Training on Laws and Processes Regarding Complaint Referral Process from HR Director Leah
Lockhart and Assistant City Attorney Claire Lai
The Commission heard the presentation and engaged in the following discussion:
HR Director, Leah Lockheart (LL) shared that the City has an MOU with each labor group
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Chair Cansino asked if this board is elected or appointed, to which LL responded that it is appointed by
city council: they would interview and then City Council would make the appointment.
Chair Cansino also asked if the City has a whistleblower program, and LL stated that the City has as part
of the antidiscrimination policy is anti-retaliation, so employees can’t be disciplined for bringing up a
situation.
Chair Cansino asked if HR could give the Commission of an example of something that is politically
driven. LL responded that it could be that have a Councilmember that is pressuring an employee to
support them but then they get in trouble, and the Councilmember decides to get rid of them. Also in
the hiring process, this is a standard protocol for openings, the City has a test whether write-in or oral
and then those who pass are collected in a list.
Chair Cansino asked what the vetting process for the 3rd party investigations is. LL shared that work
with legal team in terms of investigators that are recommended. The City does get proposals from a
variety of investigators that are recommended but try not to use the same investigator for every case to
prevent prejudice.
Chair Cansino asked if is there any way for the public to support investigators that could be chosen or
could be vetted for that process? LL responded that the City would still need an internal vetting system
but doesn’t see how that could be a problem.
Assistant City Attorney Claire Lai (CL) presented 2 types of filing complaints:
Outside of Commission Meetings:
-Individuals may choose to fill out the complaint form online or by paper and submit to the
Commission Staff Liaison
-Complaints will be referred to the City’s Human Resources Department to determine the
appropriate form/process of investigation
At Commission Meetings:
-Individuals may elect to state complaints in person during public meetings
-Commission may ask complaint to provide additional details and clarification
-Commission may not discuss or ask investigatory questions of the complaint
-Complaints will be documented and referred to the City’s Human Resources Department to
determine the appropriate form/process of investigation
Vice Chair Junio asked if someone were to come to commission meetings and more or less make a
verbal complaint, can we as commissioners take notes and then instruct them to take this form and
come back? CL answered to have them fill out the form, and if meeting is reported, that information can
be documented and passed onto to HR.
AF shared that any person could fill out form themselves or staff can fill out the form.
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Chair Cansino asked if personnel records can only be revealed once investigation is complete? CL stated
that in the example if the record is considered public by state law, it can be revealed but if not
considered public by law, then the City still keeps that information private.
Chair Cansino followed with a clarifying question, asking if with sexual assault or dishonesty, can it be
revealed once completed? CL answered yes.
Chair Cansino asked how would the Commission know that? What if someone from the public says, “I
want to make a complaint about this person and got the complaint directly, but it wasn’t made public,”
can the Commission share? CL shared that when someone comes to public meeting, the investigatory
records would not be disclosed while the investigation is ongoing.
Chair Cansino wanted to know if all the complaints would come to the Commission first. If the
Commission is the one to look at complaints, maybe it should be the Commissioners that is the first to
hear the complaint, then dept. head, then City Manager, and HR. CL explained that the ability to go to
department is staying, but the Commission’s part is when people do not elect to go to department. It’s
not changing the way that people have flexibility of channeling complaints, just providing another
option.
Assistant City Manager Ranals explained that HR is sort of the central clearing house for complaints and
are in a position to know what kind of discipline should be imposed depending on situation as they have
seen these situations before and to prevent false claims too. There is just too much of a variety of
complaints depending on department.
LL added that not all complaints go to HR Director, but when we are going to levels of discrimination,
assault, illegal actions, those would certainly go to the HR office. Also, we need to protect the identity of
the complaining party, could go both ways, maybe they just want to work with HR or just the dept. and
would like to have options for people to decide who they are comfortable with.
Chair Cansino asked what if a community problem came about but has to do with the private sector, i.e.:
complain about the private schools in South City, would that be complaining against the city or just the
school? CL stated that the complaints could be against city personnel but could go towards a
recommendation that the commission has but the City would not take action to process that.
AF shared that this is an interesting and cool function of the commission: to offer safe space the
community as they will be better at understanding race, etc. especially if seeing a pattern and to find out
if there is something that the city needs to improve on, so this could be really impactful.
6. Future Agenda Suggestions
Chair Cansino shared that she would like to see a topic on Policy and Crisis Training
Chair Cansino shared the following regarding this topic:
a. For Sariotti to be the only child forensics trauma officer, that’s a lot of pressure for
SSFPD to be both therapists and officers
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b. Maybe SSFPD can add another clinician that is child-focused
c. Medication portion of crisis can too often be ignored, and this can be fatal
Officer Carlino responded that there could be a medication emergency, but SSFPD can’t ignore
that there might be a criminal component as well since PD was called in as well as that SSFPD
Officers don’t know exactly what they are dealing with until arriving at the scene.
Chair Cansino asked Officer Carlino if the dispatchers trained for the different services in the
city, like criminal and medical emergencies too.
i. Carlino: they do to an extent but base it on the information from the call and
sometimes those who make the call are also limited in their scope
ii. Most services are available but also depend on the time… if it’s 3AM maybe not
Amy Ferguson shared that it sounds like police already has resources and services in place and
recommended that the Chair and Vice Chair agendize this topic for a future meeting.
Commissioner Sanders asked Officer Carlino if there is just one person who answers like Sgt. Sariotti,
and so wonders about what kind of relief she gets.
Officer Carlino responded that not all police departments have one liaison like Sgt. Sariotti, would SSFPD
be better served to have more? Absolutely, SSFPD would like to spread throughout the department and
share logistics, trainings, and our “subject matter expert” to spread knowledge to other departments.
Chair Cansino shared that she would like to introduce a time to have discussions after each topic and as
a Commissioner would like to talk to other Commissioners in the movement instead of having to have to
wait, especially for the next meeting. Commissioner Sanders agrees.
Chair Cansino asked Staff Liaison Ferguson if the data is supposed to come next month to which Amy
Ferguson responded that when she spoke to the chief, he said data would be ready in October.
Chair Cansino also asked if CIT data is already available.
Officer Carolino, followed up, asking “what do you mean for CIT calls?” and shared that the thing about
CIT is that what people don’t understand is that the skills that the officers receive are used all day long…
much higher than just 20% of calls are mental health calls so to capture how accurately how CIT calls are
used is almost impossible.
Chair Cansino asked about 5150 calls/data, to which Officer Carlino shared that SSFPD can definitely do
this, but it’s not going to be accurate indicator of all mental health calls/data.
Items from the Commission
There were no items from the Commission.
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Items from Staff
Assistant City Manager Ranals invited Commissioners to Concert in the Park.
Amy Ferguson shared that the Tuesday, 9/19/22 is the date for interviews for the 2 open spots; once we
have the appointees, we can get started on subcommittees, and asked Commissioner to please fill out
the doodle for tour of PD station.
Police Citizens Academy is ongoing.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 9:06pm.
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-876 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:5.
Presentation Introduction to the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team.(Mika Celli,Licensed Crisis
Response Clinician)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Commission on Equity and Public Safety meet the Mental Health Clinician,
Mika Celli, and receive an introduction to the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The South San Francisco Commission on Racial and Social Equity, which concluded in July 2021, set as one of
its top priorities the creation of a police-mental health response team for mental health and substance use crises,
focused on conflict management, de-escalation, and linking people to supportive services. Inadequate mental
health services across the country means police are usually the first to respond to someone in a mental health
and/or substance use crisis. However, linking mentally ill persons to the justice system can be ineffective and
inefficient. The Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team (CWCRT) provides additional support and
resources to individuals in crisis by trained behavioral health providers co-responding with police to emergency
calls.
The Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team is a law enforcement and mental health partnership
between the South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD), the non-profit StarVista, and Behavioral Health
and Recovery Services (BHRS) of San Mateo County Health Department. The CWCRT is a collaborative co-
response model where a Mental Health Clinician responds with police officers to behavioral crisis situations.
The Clinician provides early intervention, referrals to therapeutic hospitalizations, and guidance to support
services for individuals in mental health crisis. The CWCRT is not intended to address long-term case
management or in-depth care provision; instead, they are intended to assist with in-progress, current incidents.
The program involves San Mateo County and four cities, each with their own clinician to partner with their
respective police departments. The four cities are South San Francisco, Daly City, Redwood City, and the City
of San Mateo. Memorandums of Understanding were written between the different entities, and South San
Francisco City Council approved the execution of an MOU between the City of South San Francisco and the
County of San Mateo in early 2021. In October 2021, the SSF Clinician, Mika Celli, was hired. On November
15, she began training for one week with BHRS and StarVista and two weeks with the South San Francisco
Police Department. The official start date to actively respond to calls was December 8, 2021. The pilot program
will last for two years and then be evaluated.
On a response to a call for service, a responding officer first assesses the scene, to ensure for safety. If the scene
is determined to be safe, the Clinician responds, exercising their independent judgment and expertise and in
collaboration with the City's law enforcement staff. The goal of the immediate response is to de-escalate the
crisis and to support the safety of the individual in crisis, those around the individual, and all responding to the
incident. The Clinician then assesses the person suspected to be in mental health crisis ("the client") and
determines the best course of action (e.g., temporary mandatory placement in a medical facility for psychiatric
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evaluation and treatment under Section 5150 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, referral for treatment, etc.).
The officer may stay on the scene to assist or may leave once they have established safety for all involved. One
of the goals of the Pilot Program is that clients in mental health crisis who come into contact with law
enforcement receive early intervention to guide them toward appropriate health services. Clinicians assigned to
the Pilot Program have been trained in the range of available mental health resources both within BHRS and in
the community and, together, the law enforcement/Clinician response team decides on the best course of action
and/or resource or program for the client.
The CWCRT Program has identified goals and objectives, which include the following:
·Goal 1:Law enforcement staff and Clinicians will respond together to active crisis situations where
mental health crisis is a factor.
·Goal 2:Improve outcomes for individuals experiencing a crisis due to mental illness or suspected
mental illness.
·Goal 3: Increase access to appropriate behavioral health resources.
·Goal 4:Clinicians will provide clinical consultation,training,and support to law enforcement personnel
in the field.
·Goal 5:Clinicians will increase knowledge of mental health conditions and effective intervention
strategies among law enforcement personnel.
·Goal 6: Law enforcement will strengthen relationships with service providers and community.
·A long-term option is to have a non-law enforcement response when safety can be assured.Until that
time, law enforcement will be the first on scene with support of a mental health staff.
The desired outcomes of the program are a more effective response to community members in mental health
crisis and reduced contact between individuals with behavioral health issues and the criminal justice system.
The Clinician works 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is not a Clinician on
duty at all hours; when a Clinician is not on duty, Officers have primary responsibility to respond to and
address behavioral crisis incidents. The Clinician has a workspace available to them in the Police Department.
The Clinician can be sent to a scene through 911 dispatch, by officer request, or the clinician may self-dispatch
to a scene. The majority of cases involve mental health issues. The Clinician also attempts at least one follow-
up with everyone seen for case management. This could involve resources and/or a safety plan.
The Clinician dresses in plainclothes including a long-sleeve shirt with markings clearly designating that the
wearer is a clinician and distinguishing them from law enforcement. The Clinician does not wear a body-worn
camera, though the responding officers do.
Training for the Clinician included 40 hours at StarVista on topics including but not limited to: the note taking
system, de-escalating a crisis, 5150 write ups and reports, law enforcement’s legal responsibilities and how best
to work together safely, and all kinds of public services available to those in the community. All clinicians were
5150-certified. There were presentations from law enforcement, specific training from the county’s PERT
(Psychiatric Emergency Response Team), and all kinds of services available within San Mateo County.
The CWCRT is currently a pilot program slated to run for two years. After the two-year pilot, the City of South
San Francisco may consider whether to continue or expand the program.
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EVALUATION
Additionally,the CWCRT Program will measure and report regularly on its effectiveness in achieving
identified outcomes,which include reduced use of public safety and emergency services,reduced contact
between individuals with behavioral health issues and the criminal justice system,improved residential and
behavioral health stability,etc.To accomplish this,the County and the Cities have partnered with the John W.
Gardner Center of Stanford University and created a Data Use Agreement (Appendix D).The Gardner Center
will conduct regular data analysis to determine the program’s effects,assess outcomes,and consider appropriate
adjustments.The data and corresponding analysis will be shared with the Parties to facilitate informed decision
making about the program’s continuation.At the conclusion of the two-year term,the Parties will determine if
the program should be continued.
The Parties will share the costs for the Gardner Center Agreement.
INTRODUCTION OF CLINICIAN
Mika Celli is from South San Francisco,attended South San Francisco High School,and requested to work in
this city specifically out of the four cities participating in the program.She is a Licensed Clinical Social
Worker,who graduated from the University of Southern California with a Master of Arts in Social Work,with
an emphasis on mental health.She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work,obtained from
Concordia University in Portland,OR.Her experience includes treating many forms of common mental health
disorders,including depression,suicidality,anxiety,PTSD,Bipolar Disorder,Borderline Personality Disorder,
etc.,as well as eating disorders and dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse)issues.She has
experience in all levels of outpatient treatment,including general outpatient,intensive outpatient,and partial
hospitalization programs,as well as the residential level,where clients reside in a facility for treatment (usually
for 3 to 30 days).She has also worked in community-based mental health treatment for children and families
on MediCal.
She works to meet her clients and their support systems wherever they are in the moment and provides
empathetic,individualized,and client-centered care,using a variety of therapeutic approaches and techniques.
She makes an effort to develop and increase awareness about mental health, including services offered.
Outside of work,she provides suicide prevention and intervention on the Golden Gate Bridge and strongly
values civil rights and social justice.She has been working/volunteering with a non-profit civil rights
education program for the last 14 years teaching civil rights and educating students on advocacy work and how
they can make a difference in their own communities.She’s a lifelong learner and enjoys enhancing her
education in any way she can.
Her goal with this program is to bring that exact awareness to mental health issues and break down the
stereotypes around it.She hopes to lead this pilot into a larger,full-time program,and eventually lead to the
development of a whole unit dedicated to mental health crises.
OTHER MODELS
Other cities nearby and around the country have also designed mental health teams to respond to behavioral
health crises with or in lieu of police.The City of South San Francisco may choose to adopt elements of
different programs at the end of the two year pilot program.
CAHOOTS
The CAHOOTS team (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets)in Eugene,Oregon has become well-
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File #:22-876 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
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The CAHOOTS team (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets)in Eugene,Oregon has become well-
known in the era of police reform and shifting mental health services away from the sole responsibility of
police officers.CAHOOTS is a 24/7 operation that has a medic and crisis worker respond to people undergoing
substance abuse or mental health issues or that need transport for non-emergency medical care.The Eugene
Police Department states that CAHOOTS diverts 5 - 8% of calls from police.
CAHOOTS teams can be dispatched through the Eugene police-fire-ambulance communications center or
through a Springfield non-emergency number.If a call involves a crime or violence,police or EMS services
may be sent instead of or along with CAHOOTS.
San Francisco Street Crisis Response Team
San Francisco has a Street Crisis Response Team that sends a community paramedic,a mental health clinician,
and a peer specialist to respond to people experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.It is a 24/7
operation that includes six teams in different neighborhoods.The teams are assigned to neighborhoods in order
to be able to make relationships in those communities,but they can respond to a crisis anywhere in the city.
Two teams supply coverage overnight.There is also a team in the Office of Coordinated Care of staff who
provide follow-up calls.
The program was implemented in phases,starting with one team and building to six,from November 2020 to
July 2021.The overnight capability was added in July 2021.The program is a collaboration between the San
Francisco Department of Public Health,San Francisco Fire Department,the Department of Emergency
Management, HealthRight 360, and RAMS, Inc.
The majority of clients are homeless.However,81%of encounters are with first-time clients.Only a small
percentage of calls need a police officer or a physical restraint.Only a small percentage result in transport to a
hospital. The program aims to reduce emergency department transport when unnecessary.
San Francisco Department of Public Health Comprehensive Crisis Services
San Francisco Department of Public Health Comprehensive Crisis Services provide a variety of services and
trainings. CCS is 24/7 and typically respond in teams of 2 crisis clinicians, with an officer on-duty and
psychiatrist available for consultation. Clinicians are dispatched to the field to do risk assessments and/or
5150/5585 evaluations for adults and adolescents. CCS also respond to critical incidents, disasters, and
community violence and work alongside District Attorney’s Victims of Crime Office, Street Violence
Intervention Program, and Department of Emergency Management. CCS takes referrals from hospitals,
schools, clinics, SF Police Department, and the public. CCS responds with SFPD Crisis Intervention Trained
officers to acute cases such as barricaded subjects (hostage negotiation) and individuals in a crisis with a mental
health diagnosis and history of violence.
Half Moon Bay CARES
Half Moon Bay has a program called CARES or Crisis Assistance Response and Evaluation Services Program.
The team dispatched is a behavioral health professional and an emergency medical technician.Since September
1,2022,they operate seven days a week from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.They also respond to calls throughout the
mid-coast,from Devil’s Slide to Moonridge.They are dispatched through 911 but can also be sent through the
988 crisis hotline. City staff state that there is a goal to expand to 24/7 service.
Alameda CARE Team
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File #:22-876 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
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The Alameda CARE Team (Community Assessment Response & Engagement) is housed in the Alameda Fire
Department (AFD) and provides a response to mental health crises. The team is comprised of nine AFD
paramedics that have received mental health responder training and crisis intervention behavioral health
training, along with firefighter emergency medical technicians. They have access to a licensed clinician at
Alameda Family Services who can help them with any issues in the field. Alameda Family Services also
provides follow-up support. The team provides 24/7 services.
The team provides an alternative to police response but co-responds with the Alameda Police Department
(APD). APD is dispatched to all calls and will respond first to the scene if there is suggestion that someone
involved may be violent. The CARE team will only initiate an involuntary hold if APD is there to assist.
However, in cases where the CARE Team can handle the call, APD will be released. The CARE Team can also
support on other emergency calls to the AFD.
This is a one-year pilot program that started in December 2021. At the end of the first year, City Council will
review a report and decide how to proceed.
FISCAL IMPACT
The County and four cities share the costs of the Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team program.
Each city pays 12.5%of the personnel and Gardner Center costs,while the County pays 50%.The initial 8-
month invoice from the County for November 2021 to June 2022 billed the City $57,236.80.
The County personnel costs shall not exceed $343,421 in the 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.The total cost of the
Gardner Center Agreement shall not exceed $259,869.
CONCLUSION
The Community Wellness and Crisis Response Team pilot program has been running since December 2021.It
provides an alternative approach to law enforcement’s sole response to individuals in mental distress.It
strengthens the response to emergencies by providing a licensed and skilled mental health professional that can
aid in de-escalating mental health situations,reduces law enforcement use of force,while providing an
improved response to South San Francisco residents in crises.Recognizing that the need for an efficient,
effective,and a safe response,this pilot program addresses immediate community requests to create a response
team for mental health and substance use crises.The pilot program run for two years and will be evaluated.City
Council will receive regular updates on the program.
It is recommended that the Commission on Equity and Public Safety meet the Mental Health Clinician,Mika
Celli,and receive an introduction to the program.At future meetings of the Commission on Equity and Public
Safety,the Commission will receive more data on the program and further discuss continuation and/or
expansion of the program.
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COMMUNITY
WELLNESS AND
CRISIS RESPONSE
TEAM
Mika Celli, LCSW #92894
Licensed Crisis Response Clinician
24
Commission
on Racial and
Social Equity
•Top priority for the Commission on
Racial and Social Equity
•A police-mental health response
team for mental health and
substance use crises, focused on
conflict management, de-escalation,
and linking people to supportive
services
25
CWCRT-PILOT
PROGRAM
•Contract between County Behavioral Health, Star Vista, and 4 PDs
•Difficulty finding appropriate clinicians—3 Licensed, 1 Associate
•2-year pilot program
•Will be evaluated by the Gardner Center at Stanford
•Assist w/cases involving MH (often Suicidal/SH or delusional/hallucinations)
26
Goals and Objectives
Improved outcomes for behavioral health crises
Increased access to appropriate resources
Increased and improved training and collaboration
between BHRS and law enforcement staff
Strengthened relationships between law enforcement,
behavioral health service providers, and the community
27
Desired Outcomes
Effective response to
community members in
mental health crisis
Reduced contact
between individuals with
behavioral health issues
and the criminal justice
system
28
Protocols
911 dispatch—Dispatch, Officer Request, or Self Dispatch
Officer will first assess the scene for safety
Clinician stages nearby & joins when it is determined safe
Clinician provides de-escalation and support services
May involve a 5150 hold or referral for treatment
Attempt at least 1 follow up/Case Management—
(resources & Safety Plan)
29
Program
Details
•Current hours are Monday to Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
•Uniform is plainclothes with a long-
sleeve shirt with markings clearly
designating that the wearer is a clinician
and distinguishing them from law
enforcement
30
A Bit
About
Me
•Raised in SSF & Graduate of SSFHS
•Varsity Softball-4 years
•Sojourn to the Past-2 years (student teacher)
•Work/volunteer w/sojourn ever since
•Bachelor’s Social Work (Concordia Uni)
•Master’s Social Work (USC)
•Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
•Specializing in Eating Disorders &
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
•Inspired by personal experience and
Minnijean Brown-Trickey
•Working in Clinical MH for about 8 years
•Social Justice and Civil Rights
•Suicide prevention/intervention on
Golden Gate Bridge for 11 yrs
31
Examples of
situations
•Nick-names
•Middle School Memories
•The Outsider
32
Other Models
CAHOOTS –Eugene,
Oregon
•Sends a medic and a
crisis worker
•24/7
San Francisco Street
Crisis Response Team
•Sends a paramedic,
mental health clinician,
and peer specialist
•24/7 with 6 teams
around the city
San Francisco
Department of Public
Health Comprehensive
Crisis Services
•Sends crisis clinicians in
teams of 2, with an
officer and psychiatrist
available for
consultation
•Sometimes responds
with Crisis Intervention
Trained officers in
SFPD
•24/7
Half Moon Bay CARES
•Sends an emergency
medical technician and
behavioral health
professional
•7 days a week from
8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
City of Alameda CARE
Team
•Sends a paramedic and
an EMT, with access to
a clinician
•Housed in Fire
Department and co-
responds with police
•24/7
33
VIDEO LINK
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiyYftBLf3Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
34
QUESTIONS?
35
City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-878 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:6.
Discussion and Potential Action on Holding November and December 2022 Meetings.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Commission decide whether to hold meetings in November and December.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
Due to the holidays, many Boards and Commissions decline to have regular meetings in both November and
December. The Commission on Equity and Public Safety is currently scheduled to meet on Monday, November
21 and Monday, December 19. However, the Commission may elect to change the meeting schedule.
Options that the Commission may consider include the following:
·Cancel none of the meetings
·Cancel either the November or the December meeting
·Cancel both of the meetings and schedule a special meeting for the first or second week of December
·Cancel both of the meetings
FISCAL IMPACT
If one or more meetings is canceled, Commissioner stipends will not be paid for that meeting.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Commission vote on whether to hold regular or special meetings in November and
December.
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City of South San Francisco
Legislation Text
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400
Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, CA
File #:22-877 Agenda Date:10/17/2022
Version:1 Item #:7.
Discussion Regarding Potential Equity Commission Retreat.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Commission provide feedback on scheduling a retreat.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Commission on Equity and Public Safety has been meeting monthly since June 20, 2022. Meetings have
been held virtually, however, the Mental Health subcommittee and the Data subcommittee have met in person
for socials. Four out of seven commissioners also toured the Police Department together, with other
Commissioners taking the tour individually. To continue community building among Commissioners and to
discuss vision and values, it is recommended for the Commission to schedule a retreat.
The Commission may also discuss the bylaws, which were drafted but not finalized.
Questions for input from Commissioners include:
·Is a January or February meeting for 2 - 3 hours acceptable?
·Any preference for day, evening, or weekend meeting?
·Are there particular issues related to the work of the Commission that you would like to discuss?
·What kind of food would you prefer for a meal?
FISCAL IMPACT
The retreat will have a small budget for food.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the Commission hold a retreat for Commissioners and that Commissioners provide
feedback on desired format and discussion topics.
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