Law enforcement are responding to more and more mental health calls these days.

And now, the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office has a new tool to help them in these challenging situations.

It’s called Avel eCare Crisis Care. Through an app on an iPad, they can connect immediately with a licensed mental health provider.

That person can help the one in crisis, and then provide feedback to the deputy on the scene.

“We’re going to de-escalate, and look at what we might be able to do when it comes education or restriction. Like maybe if there’s a gun in the home if there’s a family member who could come remove it for a little while,” explained Brian Erickson, the VP and GM of Behavioral Health and Specialty Clinic Services for Avel.

Lt. Tristan Kern said it’s been used twice already this week. He saw it work first hand last week, and was impressed. “I watched this happen live. This man poured his soul out to these people, and we came up with a safety plan. The recommendation was that he could stay home, and he didn’t need services, but there was a plan about what he’d do going forward,” Kern shared.

Once the call is finished with the person, then the medical professional reaches back out to law enforcement and discuss the action plan.

After that, the Behavioral Health department can follow up even further, according to Tom Croteau, the Behavioral Health and Community Programs manager. “It closes the loop on that, for the individual,” he said.

Chief Deputy Andy Runice said they are the first in Wisconsin to be using it. And their own deputies can utilize the help as well. “It will cut down on the fatigue of trying to navigate a mental health crisis, and avoid a 12 hour medical clearance, or a six hour drive to a state facility,” he said.

A Department of Justice grant is paying for the first year of the program.

Avel is in 7 states and in 155 locations.

For more information on Avel: https://www.avelecare.com/