MINUTES — PUBLIC – PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION – 4th meeting – November 20, 2024 – 5 p.m. to 6:09 p.m.

The document Enjeux de sécurité publique liés à des problématiques et les interventions en santé mentale is presented. The members received it before the meeting. By way of introduction, an excerpt from a 1996 publication by the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux is cited: Although the policy of deinstitutionalization has positive aspects, research tends to highlight its problems. The most frequently cited are the revolving door syndrome, the shortage of treatment, support, and community integration services, the impacts on patients' families, and the rejection of the most vulnerable toward homelessness and criminalization.

Among the interventions of the SPVG (Gatineau Police Service), those directly related to mental health issues are on the rise. Their number could reach 3,904 in 2024. The types of interventions performed are as follows: crisis situation; wellness check; request for assistance by another organization; establishing links; filet 2 (major interventions requiring a security perimeter).

The UNIC team is composed of eleven police officers. This team is not on duty 24 hours a day. Shifts have been established based on the busiest periods (between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.). During these shifts, two police officers and one social worker from the CISSSO are notably on duty. Three axes define the interventions:

• Intervention involving suicidal or homicidal remarks — risk to integrity;
• Problem solving;
• Intervention with people experiencing homelessness.

Statistics are presented. Cases are becoming more complex, which requires more time for each intervention. Resources are an issue for both the individuals and the police. In most interventions, it is a police response to a medical problem. The approach is always one of benevolence since people need help more than they need to be criminalized.

The presentation sparked the following comments, questions, or clarifications:

• Concern is expressed regarding the low rate (2%) of referrals to organizations. 50% of cases will go to a hospital center or return to the street. However, it is believed that the SPVG is heading in the right direction regarding services provided to the population.
• Following a question, it is specified that the UNIC team is deployed throughout the Gatineau territory. This team is divided into four teams operating in duos; these support the gendarmerie and the prevention officers of the Fire Safety Service. The social worker joining one of the duos handles suicidal or homicidal cases; the other duo supports various teams handling diverse cases.
• It is recalled that the teams are deployed at the most opportune times to support the gendarmerie teams. The established schedule is based on the analysis of calls received.
• Faced with 211 unanswered calls in 2023, it is asked if increasing the number of UNIC team officers is being considered. It is indicated that this possibility is indeed being considered. However, attention is drawn to the fact that all police officers are qualified to meet needs in the absence of the UNIC team.
• It is mentioned that it would be possible to find data on the number of people experiencing homelessness among the 23% of calls handled by the UNIC team.
• It is specified that the UNIC team is composed of members from diverse backgrounds.
• Surprise is expressed at the high number of calls. There are many people living in vulnerability and problems related to homelessness. Social disaffiliation constitutes a major problem. Police are increasingly being called upon when these are mental health problems. Is the police force the best-equipped organization to perform this type of intervention? Police officers are led to play two roles: law enforcement and intervention in mental health cases. It is believed that the number of social workers must be increased. Concern is expressed about the situation at the Centre Robert-Guertin. It is judged that it is more the responsibility of the City to intervene there than the police.
• It is specified that police officers do not refuse to intervene at the Centre Robert-Guertin site. However, it is a public health issue that has impacts on public safety. The solutions are multiple; they must fundamentally be adapted to each person. It is important to develop partnerships with institutions and organizations to conduct the most effective interventions possible.
• It is asked if the training on crisis intervention response (RIC) is mandatory for Gatineau police officers. It is noted that, in general, the training is not mandatory. The UNIC team has, however, been able to receive elements of it in order to benefit from more intervention tools.
• The remarkable, human, and proactive work of the UNIC team is highlighted. It is asked if awareness initiatives are underway regarding the importance of collaborating with the police and community organizations to reduce distrust of the uniform. It is indicated that since 2018-2019, a rapprochement has been taking place with community organizations. A resource person now ensures single access. This person participates in various committees to demystify the role and work of the UNIC team as well as to promote consultation. If at the beginning this person did not wear a uniform, this is less and less the case during their visits. This contributes to reducing distrust of uniforms.
• It is asked how the SPVG plans to diversify its resources to respond to mental health issues in the sectors most affected by homelessness. It is recalled that the work of police officers is increasingly complex and diversified. A strategic research and development team is examining what is being done elsewhere to draw good practices from it. It is a process of continuous improvement. Everything is done in compliance with the mandates entrusted to police forces, which is one of public safety and not public health. The goal is to focus on collaborations that allow police officers to have access to mental health expertise.
• Is the low 2% referral rate to organizations explained by the fact that they are not sufficiently known? It is mentioned that this rate seems low because of the finality of the intervention; it ends with a referral to an organization where the person is taken care of. Referencing is done on a large scale.
• It is specified that it is not in the plans for the UNIC team to be available 24/7. UNIC is available at times when interventions are most effective. Police officers are well-equipped to act.
• The memorandum of understanding during interventions is explained in order to understand why the gendarmerie must be deployed before the UNIC team. This deployment aims to secure the premises. Interventions and equipment have been adapted. Vehicles are no longer unmarked. Other police officers withdraw as soon as the UNIC team arrives.
• It is indicated that the possibility of providing a distinct uniform for the UNIC team is under analysis. A differentiated uniform might not serve the objective of encouraging people's trust in all police officers.
• Clarifications are requested on the role and collaboration with paramedics, particularly for homelessness. It is indicated that communication is very good. They collaborate at several consultation tables. The care they provide is pre-hospital or emergency. They do not intervene in mental health.
• Homelessness is a responsibility of the CISSSO and not the City, although the City still provides services.
• Clarifications are requested on the 2% rate associated with Cancel/Refusal. It is mentioned that these are mainly wellness checks for which there is no concrete element to intervene or to fear for the safety of the person or others, or that the person is more or less willing to collaborate. It is difficult for police officers to intervene when a medical diagnosis has not been made.