In a significant step toward strengthening mental health crisis response in the community, the Bossier City Police Department has announced a new partnership with the CADA Mobile Crisis Response Team.
The collaboration, launched under the direction of Chief Daniel Haugen, will allow trained mental health professionals from the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana (CADA) to co-respond with law enforcement officers to incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health crises.
CADA’s Mobile Crisis Response Team will be available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing immediate on-scene support to individuals in need. This marks a proactive shift in how emergency services address mental health-related calls, offering both compassionate care and safety for all involved.
“This partnership sends a clear message that Bossier City is a community that cares and understands the challenges people face when in crisis,” said the department in an official statement. “We are working to ensure that mental health resources are not only available but are accessible in the moments they are needed most.”
The initiative is designed to de-escalate potentially volatile situations and connect individuals to appropriate mental health services, reducing the likelihood of arrest or unnecessary hospitalization. By integrating mental health professionals into emergency response, Bossier City aims to provide a more comprehensive and humane approach to crisis management.
The partnership reflects a growing national trend toward the inclusion of mental health expertise in first-responder models and underscores Bossier City’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges with care, dignity, and professionalism.
The Bossier City Police Department encourages residents to reach out if they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health crisis, assuring the community that help is available and they are not alone.