The team that assists Monroe County Deputies with people having mental health crises is expanding from 12 to 28 members, after consultation with law enforcement and mental health experts.
The FIT, or Forensic Investigation Team, responds to cases involving people who need mental health support. It’s received a new focus after the Daniel Prude case in Rochester, which involved city police and a man having a mental health crisis after taking drugs.
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello says there are many more instances of people suffering from mental or behavioral crises, who may not be getting the help they need, or who end up dealing with systems that aren’t designed to provide them the care they need.