POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. -- Police and social workers patrol Poughkeepsie once a week to help people suffering from mental illness get the help they need, before they end up in handcuffs.

The program is called the "Behavioral Evaluation and Assistance Team," or BEAT Patrol. Social workers from Dutchess County's Department of Behavioral and Community Health and officers look for people who might need help navigating the world of mental health treatment.

"We're basically bringing the services to them," said Officer Mike Braren.

While on BEAT patrol, police can bring people to the hospital if needed. Braren said he recently had to rush a "regular" to the hospital to address that person's severe alcoholism.

The social workers the officers patrol with could provide any number of services, including discussing housing options, helping addicts find treatment and offering counseling. Braren said these interventions are necessary, because those struggling with mental illness and addiction might not take initiative to get help but might accept it when offered.

"We've been finding a lot that they're hesitant to do that," Braren said. "This way, we're trying to reach out to them, and let them know the services exist."

Braren said BEAT Patrol officers have received training and made connections that come in handy during regular patrols which often lead them into situations involving someone who is mentally ill.

He said the training and the added foot patrols have become especially important since the closure of the Hudson River Psychiatric Center in 2003.

"We really saw a huge increase in the mental health population now out here in Poughkeepsie and on the street," Braren said.

In a recent press release, Poughkeepsie's police chief said that since more foot patrols like BEAT have been added, the department is receiving fewer calls for service, and departments in neighboring communities are seeking out grants to start similar programs.