Minneapolis crisis teams shift to 24-hour daily support
Minneapolis Behavioral Crisis Response teams are seen wearing shirts that identify them. (KSTP-TV)
Monday, the city of Minneapolis announced its Behavior Crisis Teams (BCR) are now operating 24 hours per day, Monday through Friday.
The teams — which are an alternative to police — are part of a pilot project that launched Dec. 13 and initially operated 7:30 a.m. to midnight.
RELATED: City officials highlight launch of behavioral crisis response team pilot project
The city says two mobile units operate throughout Minneapolis, with each having two behavioral health responders and outreach supplies.
Like police, the BCR teams are dispatched to scenes, with police only called if a scene needs to be cleared first or a team requests help. They can also be requested by police.
The teams won’t respond to incidents involving firearms or violent behavior.
The city says anyone having or reporting a behavioral health crisis should continue to call 911 so dispatchers can determine who needs to respond.
City officials did not immediately say whey the hours were expanding. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has reached out, and will update this article.