CPD expanding special unit to respond to calls related to mental health

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– The Columbia Police Department is expanding a special unit staffed with counselors to respond to mental health or behavioral related calls for service. The existing ‘Pathways Unit’ is made up of a state Department of Mental Health counselor and a police officer who is certified as a crisis negotiator.

The newly approved expansion will allow additional counselors to join the ‘Pathways Unit’ and further its overall mission and services provided.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook says, “We do not arrest our way out of a crisis. There are people in our community who need significant mental health intervention and care rather than a bed inside a jail cell. The partnership joins and develops additional support for those affected by mental illness and determines specific needs while showing care and compassion.”

Since the initiative was implemented in the fall, officials say the ‘Pathways Unit’ has made contact with 120 citizens.