GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro Police Department's Behavioral Response Team is helping to alleviate some of the burdens on the police department by responding to those who need a mental health professional.

The team is made up of seven clinicians, eight officers, one paramedic and one outreach coordinator. 

They launched in 2020, following a nationwide call for reform for policing and mental health. 

Last year, they responded to more than 2,300 calls, according to their first annual report released in March.

"Sometimes we might go on a call that is initially coded as a burglary, but patrol recognizes that they need us, and they call us out there - or a family disorder or a welfare check. So outside of those 2,300-2,400 (calls), I think there are probably many other situations where BHRT was involved,” said BHRT lead clinical Erin Williams.

And the help doesn't stop after clinicians leave the scene.

Williams estimates that the BHRT team logs between 50 and 70 calls and follow-up visits a week after the initial emergencies.

"We’re diverting a lot of traffic from the 911 system just because people trust us and will reach out to us personally," Williams said.

In 2022, counselors on the team moved from under the City of Greensboro’s Office of Equity and Inclusion to the newly created Office of Community Safety.

Williams said they will continue to work toward refining their policies and procedures to improve the way they help the community.