The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are working with
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center to
articulate a vision for law enforcement’s role in 988.
Important design and operational questions are emerging about how
988—the 3-digit code for people to reach the National Suicide &
Crisis Lifeline—will interface with existing law enforcement and
crisis responses. Law enforcement and behavioral health leaders
from across the country recently came together and agreed that
988 has the potential to be a powerful tool for behavioral health
diversion. Building on that objective, three major themes emerged
about how to actualize this shared vision.
A continued commitment from federal agencies is critical to
the success of 988 nationwide.
Meaningful cross-system collaboration requires trust among
partners and a shared understanding across systems.
Equity and access are central to the shared vision of 988.
To read the article in its entirety, please click
here.
