For the past five years, a crisis intervention team approach has helped deputies in the Washington Township Substation of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office handle some of the community’s most sensitive and complex calls.
Their goal is to ensure the safest outcome for everyone involved – residents, families, and first responders alike. Accomplishing that goal requires commitment and teamwork.
All deputies undergo crisis intervention training through the Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug, Addiction, and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board, focusing on de-escalation techniques, mental illness recognition, and connecting individuals with appropriate services. Thanks to grant funding provided by the Bureau of Justice and a partnership with Eastway Behavioral HealthCare, a mental health specialist is assigned to the Washington Township Substation to ride with deputies and provide follow-up casework.
“These efforts play a vital role in public safety and community well-being and reflect a broader commitment by the Sheriff and the Township to respond to emergencies with professionalism and compassion,” said Captain Josh Samples, noting that crisis calls for service in Washington Township have increased by 60% since 2020.
In 2024, the crisis intervention team provided services to 179 residents, including 34 juveniles, experiencing mental health crises and made contact with 474 other individuals to facilitate ongoing care and connections with providers. Since the start of 2025, Kathy DeBos, the qualified mental health specialist assigned to the Township, has worked with 126 residents, linking over one-third of them to behavioral health services.Community members who encounter someone experiencing a mental health emergency should call 911. Situations that are not urgent can be directed to the non-emergency line at 937-225-4357.
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The crisis intervention team is working to identify resources and supports for juveniles and seniors in crisis, as calls are increasing in both categories.
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MCSO continues to provide support and educate residents on when to call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline instead of 911.
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Sergeant Scott Morgan was recognized in June by the Montgomery County ADAMHS Board for ensuring deputies receive crisis intervention training, arranging ride-alongs for behavioral health co-responders, and brainstorming alternatives for deputies working with residents experiencing mental health crises.
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Three deputies audited a Health Officer Training class in July, gaining valuable insight into how trained clinicians determine whether individuals meet criteria for involuntary hospitalization and improving their accuracy and confidence when responding to mental health related calls.