A Delta Police Department (DPD) program has made a significant impact in its first year by assisting vulnerable members of the community, reducing the burden on frontline officers and creating notable efficiencies.
That’s according to a recent report to the Delta Police Board providing an update on the Community Navigator Unit (CNU) program, the first of its type in B.C.
Staring in May 2023, and part of the DPD’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the goal is to have police officers connect with at-risk people who frequently come into contact with police due to social or behavioral health concerns and guide them through essential resources and services.
Following receipt of a referral from a frontline officer, CNU’s mandate is to guide those individuals through the complexities of the human services system and help them overcome barriers to access, the report notes, adding the goal is to prevent future negative interactions with police and promote the individuals’ overall success and well-being.
As of October 3, 2024, CNU has processed over 320 referrals, connecting people to both Delta-based and external resources such as Delta Mental Health, BC Housing, and Surrey Mental Health and substance use centres.
The time spent assisting each varies based on their needs, while the process of connecting individuals to resources also depends on the complexity of their needs.
“It is estimated that CNU spent approximately 2,944 hours supporting vulnerable individuals, potentially saving officers thousand hours by handling initial outreach and referral, which typically can take an officer several hours over multiple shifts. By connecting individuals to the proper services and resources, CNU helps alleviate repeated interactions with police and ensures individuals receive the support they need.
"Early observations over the past year suggest that CNU has decreased repeat calls for service from individuals who previously required more police interaction, prior to referral to CNU, indicating the support and referrals provided by CNU are making a positive impact,” the report explains.
However, ongoing challenges remain, particularly with individuals returning directly to CNU for additional support or coming into contact with DPD officers. Those repeat engagements suggest that initial referrals do not always lead to long-term solutions.
Those challenges are compounded by various issues including a lack of local resources, as Delta has limited access to mental health, addiction support, as well as housing services, forcing individuals to seek help outside the community, which creates significant barriers, especially in terms of transportation.
Staff will draft a letter to the province highlighting the identified service gaps and advocate for the enhancement of resources within the community, including emergency shelters, mental health services, and expanded outreach programs.
“With continued advocacy for increased service availability, CNU can further enhance its effectiveness and support long-term solutions for our community’s vulnerable populations,” the report concludes.
