MENTAL HEALTH (CAR 22)

In 2022, the West Vancouver Police Department entered into a partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health, North Vancouver RCMP and the Integrated First Nations Unit to launch the “Car 22” program. Car 22 involves having a medical professional from Vancouver Coastal Health attend mental health related calls with police officers to provide outreach and support.

The program is aimed at providing aid to the marginalized and vulnerable population in the community who face mental health challenges. The addition of on-scene health professionals to police response places a vital link to healthcare for at risk people to access immediately. We believe this program has improved care for those in crisis.

In West Vancouver, the Community Services Team operates Car 22 with the assistance of a nurse designated from Vancouver Coastal Health. Car 22 coordinates follows-up communication with people in need to provide a dedicated and consistent integrated response for mental health in an effort to reduce high risk police contacts. The success of the pilot program has resulted in further funding to endorse this resource long-term.

Concerns of mental health should continue to be directed to the non-emergency line – when not an immediate safety concern – or 911 in an emergency.