The Community Crisis Assistance Team began operations in September 2023 to address a dramatic increase in calls involving individuals in crisis. Specially trained, plain-clothes police officers paired with mental health professionals from the Fire Department’s Community Advocates for Referral and Education Services (CARES) help community members during times of crisis – particularly behavioral health emergencies – while also reducing the person’s chances of facing criminal charges, arrests, use of force and emergency room visits.
The City Council approved permanent funding for CCAT as part of the 2023-24 budget after a successful four-month pilot in 2021.
While every Bellevue police officer is trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation, CCAT members receive extensive training in responding to crisis situations, including mental health first aid, crisis intervention and trauma.
CCAT Pilot Results
The CCAT pilot was highly successful in diverting people from jails and hospitals, with decreased police use of force.