The addition is heavily contributing to quicker response times
The Brockville Police Service welcomed mental health crisis nurse Dulcie Swarbrick to its Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) in April.
Hired on a one-year contract through Brockville General Hospital and funded by the province, Swarbrick brings years of experience in mental health and emergency care.
She joins police on an average of seven calls per 10-hour shift, handling both live crisis situations and follow-ups. Her training in de-escalation and crisis communication helps officers manage complex mental health cases more safely.
Swarbrick’s presence has already made a difference. Const. Kevin Despres said her support shortens response times and improves trust during calls.
Her goal is to connect people in crisis with community resources instead of sending them to overcrowded hospitals or jails.
Police say having a mental health nurse on the team is reducing repeat calls and improving outcomes. Swarbrick hopes her contract will be renewed next year.
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