LAPD Mental Evaluation Unit, Case Assessment Management Program NR12320kr

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police personnel honored during awards ceremony.

On May 23, 2012, the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center (SFVCMHC) hosted an event at the Sportsmen’s Lodge, 12833 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City to honor some of their Community partners.

Two members of the LAPD’s 13-member Case Assessment Management Program (CAMP): Kim Telesh, PhD, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and LAPD Officer Dale Ziesmer; were awarded special recognition for their dedicated support and assistance in responding to SFVCMHC clients in need of emergency mental health services.

CAMP was established in 2005 as a follow up component to LAPD’s Law Enforcement – Mental Health/Systemwide Mental Assessment Response Team strategy, as part of the Department’s Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU). The CAMP mission is to find and use innovative ways to help people in crisis, decreasing the possibility of a violent episode with emergency first responders.

LAPD’s MEU is one, of only six, law enforcement entities recognized as a national learning site and model for: “Specialized Policing Responses: Law Enforcement/Mental Health.” CAMP is one component used that helps emergency personnel when responding to calls for service involving people with mental illness; minimizing potentially violent encounters.

Formal recognition for outstanding service was given to the entire CAMP team by the following list of distinguished dignitaries: Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Zev Yaroslavky (3rd District), Michael D. Antonovich (5th District), Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian (2nd District), Members of Congress, Howard L. Berman and Brad Sherman, California State Assembly Members, Bob Blumenfield (40th District), Mike Feuer (42nd District), and California State Senator Fran Pavley (23rd District).