HMHI/Unified Police Department Police Mental Health Unit & West Valley City Police Department Partnership
Two, licensed mental health therapists from Huntsman Mental Health Institute work with the Unified Police Department offices and West Valley City Police Department on mental health units. These units respond, along with law enforcement, to mental health crises within the community. They also provide follow-up care for individuals.
West Valley City Police Department also has a Crisis Intervention Team with specially trained detectives that can to assist you or your loved ones with mental health related disorders, Autism spectrum disorders, or aging disorders such as dementia. Ask for a CIT officer when you call 911 or WVCPD non-emergency dispatch.
These are pilot programs unique to Utah. They are designed to:
- Assist in de-escalating tense situations. This can reduce possible violence during police contacts.
- Provide individuals and their families with connections for mental health service and support.
- Keep individuals to hospitals rather than jail as appropriate.
- Reduce law enforcement responses to the same place repeatedly.
- Free up patrol officers to respond to other calls.
These programs serve the cities of Taylorsville, Kearns, Magna, Riverton, Holladay, Millcreek, Midvale, Canyons, Copperton, and White City through Unified Police Department, and West Valley City through West Valley City Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Team.