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Discussion on differences between FDNY and NYPD categorization of mental health emergencies

2:25:35

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153 sec

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Council Member Lynn Schulmann inquires about the differences in how FDNY and NYPD categorize mental health emergencies. Representatives from both departments explain their processes and reasons for the differences.

FDNY Assistant Chief Cesar Escobar explains that FDNY uses different criteria based on safety and potential medical conditions.
NYPD's categorization is based on factors such as the presence of weapons or violence, which determine whether it's safe for civilian responders.
The discussion highlights the complexity of categorizing and responding to mental health emergency calls.

Lynn Schulmann

2:25:35

So one is, I heard previously that there is a difference between the definition between FDNY and NYPD of an emotionally disturbed person.

2:25:45

Why is Why is that not consistent across the board?

2:26:03

Can nobody answer me?

Cesar Escobar

2:26:08

So I could I could speak to just some of the procedures once the call comes to EMS.

2:26:18

So the the calls when they come into 911 start off first with an NYPD call taker Mhmm.

2:26:25

They will categorize the call a certain type, which I am not gonna speak of because I I am not familiar with the call types.

2:26:32

Depending on that call type, it goes to EMS, and we start our triage process.

2:26:36

We have various call types that we classify our mental health emergencies.

2:26:45

NYPD has different call types because we are using 2 different criteria I'm not going to speak for NYPD, but our criteria is based on safety, any medical conditions that may change it from a mental health emergency to a mental to a medical emergency.

2:27:05

So that is why we kinda speak different languages in the call typing because we go through a series of questions which will potentially have that call change several times during the interaction.

Lynn Schulmann

2:27:22

Because I think there's an assumption when it goes to NYPD that there's a violent situation, and so the reaction is based on that.

2:27:29

Could chair, can I just finish my line of questioning?

Mercedes Narcisse

2:27:33

Okay.

2:27:33

Try to wrap it up, please.

Lynn Schulmann

2:27:36

Does NYPD want to respond or yes, no?

Joshua Levin

2:27:43

I I don't click on time.

2:27:44

Just an arrow specifically on what You're asking.

2:27:46

You're specifically asking, does NYPD wanna comment on

Lynn Schulmann

2:27:50

why there's a difference between if somebody call if somebody calls 911, and they're having a mental health crisis.

2:27:57

But it only goes because in the case of Wynn Rosario, only NYPD responded.

2:28:01

Nobody else So that's why I want to know the differences and how that determination is made in the 911 system.

Joshua Levin

2:28:08

Sure.

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Council Member Schulmann addresses the case of Win Rozario and systemic failures in mental health crisis response

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NYPD's role in responding to potentially violent mental health crisis situations