Santa Cruz OIS draws attention to treatment and training

At M.H.C.A.N in Santa Cruz, employees are making room on their “not forgotten” wall for Sean Arlt. It’s a way to remember people who have died for reasons connected to their mental illness.

“It’s actually an illness — not something people just choose to be,” said Patrick Sizemore with Mental Health Client Action Network (M.H.C.A.N.)

Arlt, 32, was killed by police Sunday after officers say he tried to attack them with a rake. Now, the death is bringing new attention to how people with a mental health illness receive help.

Sarah Leonard, executive director with M.H.C.A.N. says over the years they have helped thousands of people, but now face a new challenge: A special use permit issued by the city allows them to serve only 50 people per day.

“After the 50th person comes in we deny service for hours (when) usually we are completely full by 10 o’clock in the morning,” said Leonard.

Leonard adds that when people with mental health problems can’t get help that is when problems arise. New numbers released by the Ruderman Foundation found that almost half of the people who die during run-ins with police have some kind of disability.

Santa Cruz Police Deputy Chief Rick Martinez says he can’t comment in detail on the ongoing investigation of Arlt’s death, but he does say officers are trained in de-escalation and crisis communication techniques.

“I mean we are public safety officers so our one overarching goal is to preserve life,” said Martinez.

There is also another type of training that officers get called mental health liaison service.

“That’s where we actually have trained mental health clinicians accompany an officer out in the field,” said Erik Riera with Santa Cruz County Mental Health.

Riera is waiting for the official results of the investigation into Arlt’s death before talking about it, but says a continued focus on those who may not want help is key.

“So how can we develop some new types of programs to help out reach and engage them in a different way,” said Riera.

Also weighing in on the conversation is the National Alliance on Mental Illness

They released a statement saying in part:

“NAMI joins the many members of our community in expressing our deepest sadness at the tragic death of Sean Arlt, a promising young father, son and neighbor who was struggling with a mental illness. We know that law enforcement is also shaken by this terrible event and that there will be a thorough investigation with clear recommendations that we expect will include improved training and protocols.”