Region of Peel – A working group comprised of community partner agencies in the area of addiction and mental health have contributed to the development of the Peel Regional Police Mental Health and Addiction Strategy (M.H.A.S.)
A significant portion of an officer’s day-to-day contacts are with individuals struggling with mental health or addiction. In 2020, officers responded to 5,950 calls for mental health and addiction, an average of 16 calls per day. Our community is better served when people in need of mental health and addiction supports are able to access assistance from community health and social service programs best positioned to meet their needs.
Peel Regional Police is committed to applying a Community Safety Well-Being lens to everything we do, putting collaboration and partnerships at the forefront of our service delivery model. It sets a foundation for ongoing engagement with community partners and provides opportunities to improve how we respond to mental health and addiction.
The M.H.A.S. is developed around five key areas of focus as identified by the working group:
- Building on our foundation of support for mental health and addiction through strategic enhancements
- Expanding our knowledge base of mental health and addiction through education, training and awareness opportunities
- Enhancing our evidence base through academic research, data and ongoing evaluation
- Focusing on the well-being of our employees
- Ongoing collaboration, planning and action for the development of future initiatives as part of a flexible approach.
Through continued collaboration, we are confident that we will realize our collective vision of providing superior, sustainable, and inclusive services to those affected by mental health and addiction.
Nishan Duraiappah, Chief, Peel Regional Police said, “Mental health, addiction, and substance abuse issues are severe public health matters that can increase social costs regarding injuries, violence, and crime. Everyone has a role to play to ensure the well-being of individuals, families, and the community as a whole. The foundation of our Community Safety and Well-Being plan is built around collaborations with multi-sector partners in a coordinated, integrated manner to get the right service, at the right time, by the right provider for people in need”
While David Smith, CEO of, Canadian Mental Health Association said, – Peel Dufferin “Peel Dufferin appreciates the work of Peel Regional Police in developing their mental health strategy. This formalizes efforts to make mental health a health issue rather than a policing issue, which is a very important step forward for our community”
And Ceri Harnden, CEO, Every Mind Mental Health Services said “Applauds the progressive leadership of Peel Regional Police and their commitment to a Mental Health and Addictions Strategy that will systematically drive positive change in our community for those who struggle with mental health and addiction issues”
Main time Catherine Wiggan, Manager, Community Service Programs, John Howard Society said, “The Mental Health and Addiction Strategy has been an effective, efficient, and inclusive collaboration. It has been inspiring to work alongside Peel Police and all the other community agencies involved to affect positive change to support individuals living with mental health and addiction in our region.”
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