LA VERNE, CA – The San Gabriel Valley Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement Team (SGV CARE) has commenced operations in the city of La Verne. Designed to expand the capacity of 911 operations, SGV CARE offers an alternative response to behavioral health-driven calls, thus alleviating the workload of law enforcement. La Verne's SGV CARE team operates in conjunction with both the Police and Fire departments to provide mental health crisis response.
The innovative service introduces the use of an ambulance, known as an "Alternative Response Unit." The CARE team's services in La Verne were inaugurated three days before Christmas, marking the beginning of a pilot phase that will continue for the next year.
“This partnership with SGV CARE underscores the City's unwavering commitment to cultivating a safer, more responsive community by directly addressing mental health needs with efficiency and compassion,” stated La Verne Mayor and SGVCOG President, Tim Hepburn. “Regional cooperation for mental health and homeless outreach and engagement best supports those requiring services.”
Nationally, an increasing number of jurisdictions are launching alternative 911 emergency response initiatives. These programs aim to provide appropriate assistance to individuals in crisis, reduce overreliance on law enforcement, and allow traditional first responders to concentrate on pressing public safety concerns and medical emergencies.
Since 2023, the City of La Verne has collaborated with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) and Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) to implement an alternative emergency response program. The SGVCOG's SGV CARE initiative stands out for its unique structure as a multi-city initiative, enabling smaller cities to access alternative emergency response services without incurring additional costs. SGV CARE aims to transition to an alternative response model, enhancing community members' access to necessary services while reducing the burden on law enforcement.
“Not every call for service requires law enforcement. This alternative response allows trained personnel to engage with a person in need in a more comfortable situation when they are having a bad day,” stated Yvonne Duran, Community Services Director for the City.
Under the oversight of key stakeholders known as La Verne Engagement Action Partners (LEAP), the implementation of the SGV CARE pilot program has made significant strides in the last few months. This initiative underscores the City of La Verne's commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate emergency response services to its residents.
Through seamless integration with the La Verne Police Department, SGV CARE is set to significantly enhance agency efficiency. This innovative collaboration ensures the delivery of comprehensive wraparound services to individuals in crisis, signaling a forward-thinking approach to public safety and mental health care. Acting Lieutenant J. Alvarado stated, “The SGV CARE team offers a vital alternative to traditional law enforcement responses to behavioral health-related 911 calls, empowering them to focus on addressing other critical issues within the community and fostering a safer community for all.”
In partnership with both the Police and Fire departments, the SGV CARE team in La Verne epitomizes an advanced strategy in expanding 911 operations to include immediate, specialized responses to mental health crises.
For more information, please contact:
Yvonne Duran, Community Services Director at (909) 596-8700 or yduran@cityoflaverne.org
J. Alvarado, Acting Lieutenant at (909) 596-1913 or jalvarado@lvpd.org
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