Van Hollen, Trone, Cardin, Announce More Than $280,000 in Federal Funding for the Frederick Mobile Crisis Team

Today, Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) announced $280,254 in federal funding for the Frederick Mobile Crisis Team. The team brings police officers and mental health professionals together so they can better assist those experiencing a behavioral or mental health crisis.

“The Frederick Mobile Crisis Team pairs law enforcement personnel with mental health professionals to help those in crisis get the care they need in an effective, compassionate manner,” said the lawmakers. “This program should serve as a blueprint for response teams across Maryland and the country as an added tool to prevent escalation or crimes. These federal funds will only build on the team’s success in the Frederick community to keep our neighborhoods safe.”   

"Mental health calls are some of the most complex cases that an officer can encounter, and our cops do an exceptional job navigating these difficult situations. But often law enforcement is not the right tool when a person is in crisis,” said Frederick Police Chief Jason Lando. “The Crisis Car takes a collaborative approach by adding more tools to the crisis intervention toolbox. This grant allows our agencies to expand the hours of the program to further meet the needs of our residents experiencing a mental health crisis."

The award comes from the Department of Justice and will be used to treat those experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis more effectively and as part of its crime prevention strategy. The Mobile Crisis Team pairs one police officer with a mental health professional during each shift. Police officers are dressed in a "soft" uniform to limit any hesitation in communication from individuals in crisis. The Mobile Crisis Team aims to collaborate more with community partners, improve the effectiveness in handling a mental or behavioral crisis, and increase the amount of individuals seeking treatment.