New Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams in St. John’s and Labrador West

The Provincial Government along with health authorities and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be introducing a new policing model to respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis.

Mobile crisis intervention teams have been established in St. John’s and Labrador West. The new policing model, called the Memphis model, involves a mental health worker and a police officer working together in the community.

To get the teams ready, mental health training was provided over the last several months to law enforcement officers throughout the province. Training is now complete. In addition to the teams in St. John’s and Labrador City, the west coast and central region of the island are expected to have the Memphis model in place by the end of 2018.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Eastern Health worked together to bring the Memphis model to St. John’s and its surrounding areas. The team is available 14 hours a day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The mobile crisis intervention team and the use of the Memphis model in Labrador City has been set-up by Labrador-Grenfell Health and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary. The team is available eight hours a day from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Both teams can be reached by calling 911, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-737-4668. The Mental Health Crisis Line is free and confidential.