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ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: January 29, 2021  NEW Number: 130.0 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: February Reviewing Authority: UPD / Behavioral Response Unit Subject: Behavioral Response Unit BR U This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Procedures 1. Purpose The Behavioral Response Unit ( BRU ) consists of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained deputies teamed with BRU Clinicians or Clinician Intern, who are Clinical Social Workers and/or mental health therapists. Working as a team, the sworn deputy sheriff and BRU Clinician respond to high risk, potentially dangerous, and suicidal individuals who may have a mental illness , PTSD, and/or substance abuse problem and may be experiencing men tal health distress. In addition, the Behavioral Response Unit shall assess individuals who pose a risk to themselves, the public , or law enforcement. The BRU will work with individuals to improve their quality of life, reduce their exposure to the crimina l justice system, lessen the frequency of negative contacts with law enforcement, and refer them to appropriate community services. 2. Procedures A. Duties and Responsibilities 1. General a. The BRU teams are available to respond to calls for service t hat relate to mental illness , PTSD, substance abuse, and persons that could be a threat to themselves or others . b. BRU teams shall conduct f ollow -up with community members who have been previously identified as in need of assistance due to mental illness , PTSD , or substance abuse problems . Follow -up may include meeting with community members after initial contact, whether it b e in facilities or in the community where they live. c. BRU teams shall respond to referrals by agency members with knowledge of co mmunity members who are in need of assistance due to mental illness , PTSD, or substance abuse. d. BRU teams shall update the Behavioral Information System (BIS) and complete all reports . e. Classification of cases will includ e the subject’s history of violence , threat to themselves, the community or law enforcement , number of prior contacts or escalating behavior as identified by the BRU . Consideration will also be given to special circumstances such a s communications via the internet regarding bizarre or unusual behaviors or threats . Page 2 f. BRU teams shall act as a liaison with facilities and resources in the Central Florida area that provide services for individuals suffering from mental illness , PTSD and substance abuse issues . 2. Responsibilities a. The BRU Deputy is a sworn deputy sheriff assigned a BRU Clinician to provide assistance to members of the community experiencing mental illness , PTSD, and substance abuse issues. BRU deputy responsibilities include: 1. Verify the s cene is safe prior to the BRU Clinician approaching to conduct an assessment of the individual. Their primary responsibility is the safety of their assigned BRU Clinician and the public. 2. Research the individual’s history via law enforcement databases and t he BIS. 3. Assist in engaging individuals. 4. Write appropriate incident reports and supporting documentation. 5. Provide follow -up and monitoring with all assigned BRU cases. 6. Update the BIS. 7. Update the Communications C enter on activity and requesting assistance as needed. 8. Take law enforcement action as necessary. 9. Monitor and initiat e, when necessary , all officer safety bulletins. 10. Update the BRU Sergeant of any significant events in a timely manner. 11. Monitor the sector radio channel wherever they are located. b. The BRU Clinician is a State of Florida licensed mental health counselor, clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist licensed under F lorida State Statute. The BRU Clinician or Regi stered Mental Health Intern (Master’s Degree Level) is paired with a BRU deputy to provide assistance to members of the community experiencing mental illness , PTSD, or substance abuse issues. The BRU Clinician ’s responsibilities include: 1. Research an indivi dual’s history through mental health information resources. 2. Conduct a mental health as sessment and determine the appropriate disposition for the individual’s needs and safety. 3. Provide supporting documentation to the BRU deputy when a decision is made to tr ansport the individual to a treatment facility. 4. Provide follow -up and monitoring with all assigned BRU cases. 5. Update the BRU Behavioral Information System . 6. Write reports as required. 7. Coordinate with local resources and facilities that work with individuals suffering from mental illness , PTSD, or substance abuse issues . c. The BRU Sergeant oversees the daily administrative duties, time Page 3 management, and coordinati on of activities of the BRU Teams. The BRU Sergeant ’s responsibilities include: 1. Meet with and moni tor the BRU Teams on a regular basis. 2. Update the BRU chain of command of any significant events related to the BRU Teams. 3. Coordinate with the BRU community partners identified in the BRU Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) . 4. Respond to all significant events involving the BRU Teams.