LAPD's SMART unit

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Los Angeles Police Department's SMART unit (Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team) handles people suspected of being mentally ill. The team's most prominent case has been handling Britney Spears' commitment on a 5150 Involuntary psychiatric hold.[1]

[edit] Area of Focus

The team helps field officers handle suspected [mentally ill] individuals. Team members provide referrals, intervention and/or placement in mental facilities for individuals needing acute mental health intervention. The SMART team works with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. [1]

[edit] History

The SMART team was created in January, 1993 after a task force concluded that more needed to be done to help the mentally ill population. Each SMART team includes a mental health professional and a police officer. [2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Britney Spears taken to hospital by police: report", Reuters, 2007-01-31. Retrieved on 2007-01-31. 
 This Los Angeles County, California-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.