That the City Council:

A. Receive and file the report;
 

B. Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached response letter; and,
 

C. Direct staff to submit the signed response letter to the Orange County Grand Jury.

On June 5, 2024, the Orange County Grand Jury issued a report regarding law enforcement's response to mental health calls for service, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05(a) and (b). The Grand Jury is aware that approximately 8.8 million Americans suffer from mental health issues such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Without proper care and treatment, people who suffer from severe mental health issues often experience negative outcomes that impact them and people around them. The Grand Jury wanted to evaluate how Orange County Law Enforcement agencies appropriately respond to incidents wherein individuals may be suffering from mental health issues.

The Orange County Grand Jury conducted a study regarding Law Enforcement interactions with persons suffering from mental health issues. The study included thirty-one interviews, twenty-three of which were with key personnel from Orange County Law Enforcement. They also reviewed curriculum from the Orange County Police Academies, spoke with Mental Health Professionals, and evaluated programs such as Project Kinship, Be Well OC and the Hope Center.

Additionally, the Grand Jury attended monthly meetings of the Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the planning body of the County government, law enforcement, courts/corrections, and social services agencies. These meetings are responsible for ensuring contemporary response to public safety concerns regarding mental health. The Grand Jury also tracked legislative changes regarding law enforcement's response and the required training for Peace Officers and Dispatchers through Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) as it pertains to mental health.

The North Orange County Service Planning Area (North SPA), which La Habra is a part of, was specifically mentioned in the report highlighting the organization's response to mental health and homeless concerns. Since 2018, the 13 cities in the North SPA have opened two “Navigation Centers” in Buena Park and Placentia, and partnered with the “Hope Center,” a centralized location supporting the provision of resources and services to address homelessness.   

The City of La Habra is required to respond to the identified Findings and Recommendations contained within the report by September 4, 2024.  In the event the City Council approves the proposed responses to the Grand Jury and authorizes the Mayor to sign the letter, staff will submit the City's response by or before the required deadline.