MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Medford police say they are dealing with an increase in the number of contacts with mentally ill people.
The Mail Tribune reports the Medford Police Department has placed 83 protective holds on city residents this year — up from 40 holds at this time in 2010. In addition, Medford police have made 155 mental health referrals, up from 85 at this time last year.
Medford police Chief Randy Schoen called the increase “disturbing” and said there isn’t an easy way to deal with it.
Schoen says the lack of funding for mental health services after the recession has left more mentally ill people walking the streets. And there is little police can do except place mentally ill suspects in protective custody when they show signs of harming themselves or others.
