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Mental Health Unit Wins Award, Reduces Arrests

**Montgomery County Pct. 1 Mental Health Unit Earns National Acclaim, Details Local Impact**

CONROE, TX – Constable Philip Cash of Montgomery County Precinct 1 recently shared details of his department’s nationally recognized mental health deputy unit with the Lake Conroe Rotary Club, highlighting the program’s significant success in de-escalating crises and connecting residents with vital resources. The innovative initiative, launched in May 2022, has become a model for law enforcement agencies nationwide, earning the prestigious “Innovation in Criminal Justice” award from the National Sheriff’s Association in April.

The award-winning unit operates on a co-responder model, pairing specially trained deputies with licensed mental health counselors. Their primary mission is to respond to calls involving individuals experiencing mental health crises, diverting them from the criminal justice system towards appropriate care. This approach aims to reduce arrests for mental health-related incidents, offering compassionate intervention instead of traditional law enforcement responses.

Constable Cash elaborated on the program’s origins and remarkable growth. “We recognized a critical need in our community,” Cash told the Rotary Club members. “Our deputies were often the first point of contact for individuals in severe mental distress, and while they did their best, they weren’t equipped with the specialized tools of a licensed counselor. This unit bridges that gap, providing immediate, professional mental health support right at the scene.”

Starting with an initial $400,000 grant from the Texas Office of Court Administration, the program began with two deputies and two counselors, operating five days a week. Due to its proven effectiveness and growing demand, the unit has expanded significantly. It now comprises four deputies, two licensed counselors, and an administrative assistant, providing coverage across Precinct 1 seven days a week, 12 hours daily.

Since its inception, the mental health unit has responded to over 2,000 crisis calls. Constable Cash emphasized the tangible benefits, stating, “This isn’t just about better outcomes for individuals; it’s also about significant savings for taxpayers.” He estimated that by diverting individuals from incarceration and connecting them with community-based treatment, the program saves an estimated $1,000 to $2,000 per person per month in potential jail costs.

The unit’s national recognition came in April when Constable Cash and his team traveled to Washington D.C. to accept the National Sheriff’s Association’s “Innovation in Criminal Justice” award. This accolade underscores the program’s pioneering approach and its successful implementation in addressing a pressing societal challenge.

Sustainability for the program, which initially relied on state funding, has been secured through subsequent federal funding, ensuring its continued operation and potential for further expansion. This long-term financial backing is crucial for maintaining and growing the specialized services provided by the unit.

The Precinct 1 Mental Health Deputy Unit’s success reflects a broader national trend in law enforcement towards more specialized responses to mental health crises, acknowledging that many situations require a care-first approach rather than punitive measures. By providing a bridge between law enforcement and mental health services, Montgomery County Precinct 1 is not only enhancing public safety but also fostering a more compassionate and effective system of care for its residents.

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