1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
KERN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES
AND
THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD AND THE BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT (BPD)
REGARDING THE JOINT PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER,
HOMELESS CO-RESPONSE, MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE, CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM, AND
TRADITIONAL MET PROGRAMS
THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (hereinafter “MOU”) is made and entered into on ____________ by and between the Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Department (hereinafter “KernBHRS” or “BHRS”) and the City of Bakersfield ( hereinafter referred to as “Contractor” or “Party”), a municipal corporation and Charter City, on behalf of the Bakersfield Police Department whose principal place of business is located at 1601 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS:
A. KernBHRS staff is trained, qualified and experienced in providing behavioral and mental health services, including providing and responding to the KernBHRS crisis hotline, and providing and responding to the homeless population.
B. BPD staff is trained, qualified and experienced to respond to 911 calls, other calls for service and appropriately dispatch responses to medical and public safety emergencies through the BPD 911 Communications Center, including calls for service involving the homeless population.
C. Based on the Parties’ respective skills, training, and shared interest in appropriately and effectively addressing mental and behavioral health calls for service, including but not limited to calls for service related to unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in the City, the Parties’ launched pilot programs to coordinate the services and expertise of Kern BHRS staff with BPD’s response to calls for service.
D. The Parties executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to utilize and coordinate the services and expertise of Kern BHRS staff in the 911 Communications Center of the Bakersfield Police Department, to assist with behavioral health calls and determine the appropriate level of response needed by Kern BHRS staff and BPD, previously referred to as the “Differential Response Pilot Program”.
E. The Parties also executed an MOU to mutually collaborate in reducing the number of unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness on city streets and causing nuisance or unsafe behaviors for the community by providing a multidisciplinary/multi-agency approach to calls for service involving mental and behavioral health needs of those individuals’ experiencing homelessness, referred to as the “Homeless Co-Response Pilot Program”.
F. The Parties desire to continue their collaboration in providing appropriate and effective responses to behavioral health calls and calls for service involving homeless individuals in need of services, and further desire to expand such programs as approved by each respective agency, through execution of this Master MOU.
G. The Parties desire to continue their collaboration through the Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) Program by screening calls for service received through the crisis hotline in an effort to provide the appropriate level of response and/or care in the least restrictive environment possible.
H. The Parties further desire to continue their collaboration through the Crisis Intervention Team by coordinating efforts to keep Law Enforcement Officers and community members safe at the scene of a mental health crisis.
2 I. The Parties further desire to continue their collaboration through use of Traditional Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) Services by dispatching MET to locations as r equested by Law Enforcement to conduct on-site clinical assessments, provide appropriate crisis intervention services, and determine the most appropriate response.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED between the Parties hereto as follows:
1. TERM.
This MOU shall commence on July 1, 2026, and shall remain in effect through June 30, 2027 , unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided.
2. STANDARDS OF SERVICES.
The Parties hereby agree that the purpose of this MOU is to continue, expand and maintain the Communications Center and Homeless Co-Response programs initially esta blished by MOU as pilot programs, as well as to formalize the continued collaboration and mutual expectati ons for the Mobile Crisis Response (MCR), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), and Traditional Mental Evaluation Team (MET) programs. Each Party shall appropriately assign KernBHRS and BPD staff to provide and collaborate services to carry out each of the programs, and shall adhere to the standards of service as more particularly described in the Description and Standards of Service for each program, attached hereto and incorporated herein as follows:
EXHIBIT A: Communications Center Program ;
EXHIBIT B: Homeless Co-Response Program;
EXHIBIT C: Mobile Crisis Response Program;
EXHIBIT D: Crisis Intervention Team Program;
EXHIBIT E: Traditional MET Program.
3. MODIFICATIONS OF THE MOU.
Material changes to this MOU may be modified in writing only, signed by the Parties in interest at the time of the modification.
4. COMPENSATION.
For performing the Scope and Standards of Service described above, the Parties hereby agree to the following compensation:
A. For the Communications Center Program, KernBHRS shall be reimbursed for its compensation paid for up to three (3) employees holding the position of FTE Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist I, II, or III assigned to the BPD Communications Center under this MOU, pursuant to Exhibit F - Funding Schedule, attached hereto and incorporated herein. City shall pay County within 30 days after County submits an itemized invoice for the services rendered, including overtime, and that invoice is approved by City. County shall submit invoices quarterly. In no case shall City pay County more than $413,000 annually for performing services pursuant to this MOU. Should KernBHRS receive amounts from private insurance or other payer sources for services rendered by the Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist assigned to the Comm Center, then KernBHRS shall reduce future amounts invoiced to BPD accordingly.
B. For the Homeless Co-Response, Mobile Crisis Response, Crisis Intervention, and Traditional MET Programs, no compensation or reimbursement shall be exchanged by either party to this MOU for the services performed under Exhibit B, Exhibit C, Exhibit D, and Exhibit E.
3 5. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Both Parties will not, without the written consent of the other Party, communicate confidential information, designated in writing or identified in this MOU as such, to any third party and shall protect such information from inadvertent disclosure to any third party in the same manner that it protects its own confidential information, unless such disclosure is required in response to a validly issued subpoena or other process of law. Upon completion of this MOU, the provisions of this paragraph shall continue to survive.
6. HIPAA/HITECH COMPLIANCE.
A. During the term of this MOU, a Party may receive from the other Party, or may receive or create on behalf of the other Party, certain confidential health or Medi-Cal information (“Protected Health Information” or “PHI”). This PHI is subject to protection under state and federal law, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191 (“HIPAA”), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, Public Law 111-005 (“the HITECH Act”), and regulations promulgated thereunder by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (the “HI PAA Regulations”) and other applicable laws. Parties represent that they have in place policies and procedures that will adequately safeguard any PHI it receives or creates, and each Party specifically agrees, on behalf of itself, its subcontractors, and agents, to safeguard and protect the confidentiality of PHI consistent with applicable law, including currently effective provisions of HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and the HIPAA Regulations.
B. For purposes of this section, PHI means any information, whether oral or recorded in any form or medium: (a) that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual, and (b) that identifies the individual or with respect to which there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify the individual.
C. The parties acknowledge that state and federal laws relating to electronic data security and privacy are rapidly evolving and that amendment of this MOU may be required to provide for procedures to ensure compliance with such developments. The parties hereto specifically agree to take such action as is necessary to implement the requirements of HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and HIPAA Regulations and other applicable laws relating to the security or confidentiality of PHI. The Parties understand and agree that each Party must provide to the other, upon request, written evidence that the Party is in compliance with the HITECH Act and applicable HIPAA Regulations.
D. Notwithstanding any other provision of this MOU, either Party may terminate this MOU upon twenty (20) days' notice in the event: (a) a Party does not promptly provide written evidence of compliance with the HITECH Act and applicable HIPAA Regulations, or (b) a Party becomes aware that the other Party or any of its subcontractors or agents discloses PHI in a manner that is not authorized by by applicable law.
7. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW.
Each Party and any subcontractors will observe and comply with all applicable County, State, and federal laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations now in effect or hereafter enacted, each of which are made a part hereof and incorporated herein by reference.
8. NON-DISCRIMINATION.
Both Parties agree to abide by all applicable federal and State laws prohibiting discrimination against any participant, volunteer, or any other person because of race, color, religion, handicap, sex, age, sexual orientation, or place of natural origin.
9. AUTHORITY TO BIND.
It is understood that neither Party in performance of any and all duties under this MOU, except as otherwise provided in this MOU, has authority to bind the other Party to any agreements or undertakings.
4 10. NOTICES.
A. Notices to be given by one Party to other under this MOU will be given in writing by personal delivery, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or express delivery service at the address specified below. Notices delivered personally shall be deemed received upon receipt; mailed or expressed notices shall be deemed received four (4) business days after deposit. A Party may change the address to which notice is to be given by giving notice as provided below.
Notice to Kern BHRS will be addressed as follows:
Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
Attn: Director
PO Box 1000
Bakersfield, CA 93302-1000
Notice to BPD will be addressed as follows:
Bakersfield Police Department
Attn: Chief of Police
1601 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
B. Nothing in this MOU shall be construed to prevent or render ineffective delivery of notices required or permitted under this MOU by personal service.
11. NO THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES.
It is expressly understood and agreed that the enforcement of these terms and conditions and all rights of action relating to such enforcement, will be strictly reserved to both Parties. Nothing contained in this MOU will give or allow any claim or right of action whatsoever by any other third person. It is the express intention of both Parties that any such person or entity, other than the Parties to this MOU, receiving services or benefits under this MOU will be deemed an incidental beneficiary only.
12. MUTUAL HOLD HARMLESS.
The Parties shall hold each other harmless from any and all actual or alleged claims, demands, causes of action, liability, loss, damage and/or injury (to property or persons, including without limitation wrongful death), whether brought by either party, an individual or other entity, or imposed by a court of law or by administrative action of any federal, state, or local governmental body or agency, arising out of or incident to any acts, omissions, negligence, or willful misconduct of either Party, its personnel, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers in connection with or arising out of the performance of this MOU.
13. POLITICAL-RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY.
A. No person performing any service or providing any goods designated under this Contract shall participate in any political or religious activity on County time or in any manner involving the use of county property or expenditure of public funds nor conveying the implication of County endorsement or support for a candidate for local, state, or federal office.
B. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Contract shall be construed to unlawfully limit an individual’s Constitutional rights. Accordingly, the limitations contained in this section are for the sole purpose of preventing proselytizing and politicking while engaged in the performance of services under this Contract.
5 14. FINANCIAL SOLVENCY.
The Parties shall maintain adequate provisions against the risk of insolvency.
15. CHOICE OF LAW/VENUE.
The Parties hereto agree that the provisions of this MOU will be construed pursuant to the laws of the state of California. This MOU has been entered into and is to be performed in the County of Kern. Accordingly, the Parties agree that the venue of any action relating to this MOU shall be in the County of Kern.
16. NON-WAIVER.
No covenant or condition of this MOU can be waived except by the written consent of KernBHRS and BPD.
Forbearance or indulgence by KernBHRS or BPD in any regard whatsoever shall not constitute a waiver of the covenant or condition to be performed by either Party. KernBHRS or BPD shall be entitled to invoke any remedy available to KernBHRS or BPD under this MOU or by law or in equity despite said forbearance or indulgence.
17. ENFORCEMENT OF REMEDIES.
No right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to KernBHRS or BPD is exclusive of any other right or remedy herein or by law or equity provided or permitted, but each shall be cumulative of every other right, or remedy given hereunder, now or hereafter existing by law or in equity or by statute or otherwise and may be enforced concurrently or from time to time.
18. CAPTIONS AND INTERPRETATION.
A. Paragraph headings in this MOU are used solely fo r convenience and shall be wholly disregarded in the construction of this MOU.
B. No provision of this MOU shall be interpreted for or against a Party because that Party or its legal representative drafted such provision, and this MOU shall be construed as if jointly prepared by the Parties.
19. TIME OF ESSENCE.
Time is hereby expressly declared to be of the essence of this MOU and of each and every provision hereof, and each such provision is hereby made and declared to be a material, necessary and essential part of this MOU.
20. COUNTERPARTS.
This MOU may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instruments.
21. NON-COLLUSION COVENANT.
City represents and agrees that it has in no way entered into any contingent fee arrangement with any firm or person concerning the obtaining of this MOU with KernBHRS. City has not received any incentive or special payments, or considerations not related to the provision of services under this MOU.
22. ENTIRE MOU.
This document, including all attachments hereto, contains the entire MOU between the Parties relating to the services, rights, obligations, and covenants contained herein and assumed by the Parties respectively. No inducements, representations or promises have been made, other than those recited in this MOU. No oral promise, modification, change or inducement shall be effective or given any force or effect.
6 23. NEGATION OF PARTNERSHIP.
In the performance of all services under this MOU, the Parties acknowledge that they are, in fact and law, an independent contractor and not an agent, employer or employee of the other Party. County has and retains the right to exercise full supervision and control of the manner and methods of providing services to BPD under this MOU, and shall remain at all times the employer of the KernBHRS staff assigned to the BPD Comm Center pursuant to this MOU. City retains full supervision and control over the employment, direction, compensation and discharge of BPD staff assisting in the provision of services under this MOU. With respect to City's employees, if any, City shall be solely responsible for payment of wages, benefits and other compensation, compliance with all occupational safety, welfare and civil rights laws, tax withholding and payment of employee taxes, whether federal, state or local, and compliance with any and all other laws regulating employment.
24. SEVERABILITY.
Should any part, term, portion or provision of this MOU be decided finally to be in conflict with any law of the United States or the state of California, or otherwise be unenforceable or ineffectual, the validity of the remaining parts, terms, portions, or provisions shall be deemed severable and shall not be affected thereby, provided such remaining portions or provisions can be construed in substance to constitute the MOU which the parties intended to enter into in the first instance.
25. TERMINATION.
Either Party may terminate this MOU, with or without cause, upon thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other Party. In the event of termination of this MOU for any reason, both Parties will have no further obligation to pay for any services rendered or expenses incurred by the other Party after the effective date of the termination.
26. IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, both Parties will have the right to terminate this MOU effective immediately after giving written notice to the other Party in the event either Party determines that the other Party does not have the proper credentials, experience, or skill to perform the required services under this MOU; or in the event that continuation by either Party in the provision of services may result (i) in civil, criminal, or monetary penalties against that Party, (ii) in the breach of any federal or state or regulatory rule or regulation or condition of accreditation or certification, or (iii) the loss or threatened loss of that Party's ability to participate in any federal or state program.
27. SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.
Each Party represents that they have full power and authority to enter into and perform this MOU, and the person signing this MOU on behalf of each Party has been properly authorized and empowered to enter into this MOU.
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7 IN WITNESS TO WHICH, each Party to this MOU has signed this MOU upon the date indicated, and agrees for itself, its employees, officers, partners, and successors, to be fully bound by all terms and conditions of this MOU.
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT: COUNTY OF KERN
Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Board of Supervisors
By: _____________________________ By: ____________________________ Alison Burrowes, MA, LCSW, Director Chairman
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
By:_____________________________ By: ____________________________ Brent Stratton, Chief of Police Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Office of the County Counsel
By:_____________________________
Kyle Holmes, Deputy County Counsel
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Attorney
By:_____________________________ By:____________________________ Ashley Zambrano, Deputy City Attorney Randy McKeegan, Finance Director
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8 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER PROGRAM
EXHIBIT A – DESCRIPTION AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
RESPONSIBILITES OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT:
BPD shall:
A. Transfer incoming behavioral health calls that do not require an emergency response, as determined by the sole discretion of the BPD dispatch staff receiving the calls, to the assigned KernBHRS staff member located in the BPD 911 Communications Center (Comm Center).
B. Stay on the line with callers until BPD staff confirms a transfer to KernBHRS staff is complete, pursuant to procedures as agreed upon by the Parties.
C. If KernBHRS staff is unavailable, and the call is deemed non-emergent by BPD staff, the caller may be placed in a call-back queue for KernBHRS staff to contact as soon as KernBHRS is available.
D. Dispatch BPD and Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) units (when available) if an in-person response is required for a behavioral health call.
E. Meet with KernBHRS administrative staff as agreed upon/needed by the Parties, to discuss program progress, concerns and/or issues pertaining to this agreement.
F. Assure that BPD dispatch staff who handle calls that may be transferred to the KernBHRS staff in the Comm Center have received LEAD (formerly known as Question, Persuade, Refer, “QPR”) training.
G. Allow KernBHRS IT staff to set up a computer station in the Comm Center.
H. Follow guidelines and procedures, as applicable and mutually developed and agreed upon by the Parties.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF KERN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES KernBHRS shall:
A. Assign three (3) full-time employees employed by BHRS in the position of a MET trained Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist to be positioned in the BPD Comm Center for purposes of responding to behavioral health calls during a mutually agreed upon schedule for the duration of the agreement. The assigned KernBHRS staff shall be properly and competently trained and employed by BHRS to perform the duties of the position of Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist.
B. Accept all behavioral health calls transferred from BPD and utilize KernBHRS’ electronic health record database to determine the most appropriate response. Responses may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Connecting the caller with their outpatient team if they are already associated with a team; or
2. Connecting the caller with a treatment provider; or
3. Dispatching the BPD Co-Response Team for a non-emergent welfare check; or
4. Dispatching BPD and MET staff to respond to the caller in person.
C. Upon request, provide BPD with information on upcoming crisis trainings.
9 D. Meet with BPD staff as agreed upon/needed by the Partie s, to discuss program progress, concerns and/or issues pertaining to this MOU.
E. Upon request, provide LEAD training to BPD dispatch staff who handle calls that may be transferred to the KernBHRS staff member in the Comm Center.
F. Supply and utilize KernBHRS equipment, hardware, software and/or programs necessary to access electronic health information and assist callers in the Comm Center.
G. Submit claims and bill Medi-Cal for appropriate services rendered during a call.
H. Follow guidelines and procedures, as applicable and mutually developed and agreed upon by the Parties.
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10 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
HOMELESS CO-RESPONSE PROGRAM
EXHIBIT B – DESCRIPTION AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
BPD shall:
A. Assign full-time law enforcement officers, as needed, employed by City to be partnered with assigned KernBHRS staff during a mutually agreed upon schedule for the duration of the Homeless Co- Response Program. The assigned BPD officers shall be officers currently assigned to the City's Impact response team who have received Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). City shall remain the sole employer of BPD officers assigned under the Master MOU.
B. Utilize the Relational Outreach and Engagement Model (ROEM) to enhance engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness.
C. Jointly respond to calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency, involving reports of homelessness, public nuisances as a result of homelessness, and check the welfare calls involving people experiencing homelessness with mental and/or behavioral health needs, utilizing the assigned BPD and KernBHRS staff pursuant to the Master MOU. The parties acknowledge and understand that dispatching appropriate staff as set forth in the Master MOU shall be subject to availability of such staff to respond when calls for service are received.
D. Engage with homeless individuals requiring 5150 evaluations and transportation to the Psychiatric Evaluation Center/Crisis Stabilization Unit or Kern Medical Emergency Department (for those needing medical clearance).
E. Patrol areas and zones in BPD jurisdiction for response, outreach, and engagement opportunities for those experiencing homelessness.
F. Participate in KernBHRS's ROEM integrated care meetings to ensure collaboration and communication directly with KernBHRS homeless response teams regarding identified individuals in high need of services and support.
G. Regularly collaborate with and provide assistance to the KernBHRS's ROEM team.
H. Work with various community agencies addressing aspects of homelessness in the community, including but not limited to Flood Ministries, ROEM team, Conservator's Office, Code Enforcement, the Rapid Response Team, etc.
I. Track data and outcomes to determine the success of the Pilot Program.
J. Follow guidelines and procedures, as applicable and mutually developed and agreed upon by the Parties.
K. When not responding to calls involving homelessness, or providing outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, respond to in-progress/general calls for service involving behavioral health needs.
RESPONSIBILITES OF KERN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RECOVERY SERVICES
KernBHRS shall:
A. Assign at least four (4) full-time staff employed by County to be partnered with assigned BPD officers during a mutually agreed upon schedule for the duration of the Homeless Co-Response Program. The assigned KernBHRS staff shall have a minimum of 2 years' experience working in crisis behavioral health services, be certified by the County Board of Supervisors to evaluate for W&IC 5150, be trained in the Evidenced Based Practice of Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), familiar with the various options for behavioral 11 health treatment with the County of Kern, and must be proficient in use of the KernBHRS electronic health record system (EHR).
B. Provide ROEM training to KernBHRS and BPD staff as requested.
C. Utilize the ROEM to enhance engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness.
D. Jointly respond to calls for service, both emergency and non-emergency, involving reports of homelessness, public nuisances as a result of homelessness, and check the welfare calls involving people experiencing homelessness with mental and/or behavioral health needs, utilizing the assigned BPD and KernBHRS staff pursuant to the Master MOU. The parties acknowledge and understand that dispatching appropriate staff as set forth in the Master MOU shall be subject to availability of such staff to respond when calls for service are received.
E. Utilize evidenced based skills and interventions with identified client population to dissuade negative behaviors impacting the community.
F. Engage with homeless individuals requiring 5150 evaluations and transportation to the PEC/CSU or Kern Medical ED (for those needing medical clearance).
G. Monitor areas and zones in BPD jurisdiction for response, outreach, and engagement opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness.
H. Participate in ROEM integrated care meetings to ensure collaboration and communication directly with KernBHRS homeless response teams regarding identified individuals in high need of services and support.
I. Regularly collaborate with and provide assistance to the ROEM team.
J. Work with various community agencies addressing aspects of homelessness in the community, including but not limited to Flood Ministries, ROEM team, Conservator's Office, BPD, Code Enforcement, the Rapid Response Team, etc.
K. Track data and outcomes to determine the success of the Pilot Program.
L. Follow guidelines and procedures, as applicable and mutually developed and agreed upon by the Parties.
M. When not responding to calls involving homelessness, or providing outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, respond to in-progress/general calls for service involving behavioral health needs.
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MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE PROGRAM
EXHIBIT C – DESCRIPTION AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
BPD Shall:
A. Respond to and assist the Mobile Crisis Response (MCR) team with in-progress calls for service in which an individual is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or grav ely disabled; provide crisis intervention; and W&IC 5150 evaluations to determine the disposition of the call, as a result of knowledge that a person is determined to be in imminent danger as a result of a mental health crisis.
B. Responds to calls for Welfare Checks, whenever r equests are made by the MCR team, as a result of knowledge that a person is determined to be in imminent danger as a result of a mental health crisis.
C. Transport individuals as deemed appropriate by BPD if there is no medical aid needed and the individual presents a safety risk to others or self.
D. BPD Communications Center will receive and document the MCR team’s location and status within the CAD system.
E. Communications Center may dispatch a MCR team member, if available, to respond to in-progress calls for service in which an individual is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled; provide crisis intervention; and W&IC 5150 evaluations to determine the disposition of the call, as a result of the knowledge that a person is determined to be in imminent danger as a result of a mental health crisis.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF KERNBHRS
KernBHRS Shall:
A. Provide the Communications Center dispatcher their enroute and on scene location.
B. Notify the Communications Center dispatcher when a safety concern presents itself during a crisis call in the community.
C. Provide the necessary interventions for each appropriate referral received, including, but not limited to crisis evaluation, W&IC 5150/5585, consultation, case management, or linkage and referrals.
D. Provide an in-person crisis assessment, mitigating any immediate risk of danger to self or others, determining a short-term strategy for restoring stability, and identifying follow-up care, as appropriate.
E. Utilize crisis planning to ensure safety for individuals in crisis.
F. Provide or arrange for transportation, as necessary for persons receiving a crisis evaluation, to designated facility for continued psychiatric stabilization. This may include transportation by the MCR team, law enforcement, and/or ambulance.
G. Facilitate and coordinate a warm handoff to a higher level of care and/or community resources.
H. Track and maintain daily census information for services provided.
I. If available, an MCR team member may respond to in-progress calls for service in which an individual is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled; provide crisis intervention; and W&IC 5150 evaluations to determine the disposition of the call, as a result of knowledge that a person is determined to be in imminent danger as a result of a mental health crisis.
13 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM PROGRAM
EXHIBIT D – DESCRIPTION AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
RESPONSIBILITES OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
BPD Shall:
A. Designate a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) coordinator within the department, with the rank of Sergeant (or higher).
B. Actively participate in the CIT program to ensure that it remains a healthy, evolving program.
C. Emphasize the importance of treatment rather than incarceration of individuals with mental illness when appropriate.
D. Prioritize efforts to decrease injury rates for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis when law enforcement involvement is required.
E. Continue to educate and/or provide education to law enforcement officers about mental illness and how to improve skills in their interactions with individuals with mental illness, including but not limited to providing a forty (40) hour CIT class as needed.
F. Strengthen and encourage collaborative and positive relationships between law enforcement departments and behavioral health providers.
G. Participate in meetings to continuously evaluate CIT goals and outcome measures.
RESPONSIBILITES OF KERNBHRS
KernBHRS Shall:
A. Designate a CIT coordinator within the department.
B. Actively participate in the CIT program to ensure that it remains a healthy, evolving program.
C. Emphasize the importance of treatment rather than incarceration of individuals with mental illness.
D. Provide training and education to law enforcement on crisis de-escalation to decrease adverse outcomes with all parties involved.
E. Strengthen and encourage collaborative and positive relationships between law enforcement departments and behavioral health providers.
F. Continue to educate and/or provide education to law enforcement officers about mental illness and how to improve skills in their interactions with individuals with mental illness, including but not limited to providing a forty (40) hour CIT class as needed.
G. Participate in meetings to continuously evaluate CIT goals and outcome measures.
14 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRADITIONAL MOBILE EVALUATION TEAM
EXHIBIT E – DESCRIPTION AND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
Traditional KernBHRS Mobile Evaluation Team (MET) staff will respond to in-progress calls and hospital calls with the Bakersfield Police Department.
RESPONSIBILITES OF BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
BPD Shall:
A. If needed, request MET staff to respond to in-progress calls for service in which an individual is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled; provide crisis intervention; and W&IC 5150 evaluations to determine the disposition of the call.
B. Secure the location before MET intervenes.
C. Transport individuals presenting a safety risk to self or others as deemed appropriate by BPD.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF KERNBHRS
KernBHRS Shall:
A. Respond with Law Enforcement to in-progress calls for service in which an individual is potentially suicidal, homicidal, or gravely disabled; provide crisis intervention; and W&IC 5150 evaluations to determine the disposition of the call.
B. Utilize evidenced based skills and interventions with identified client population.
C. Provide linkage and coordination to behavioral health and/or community resources for minors, adults, senior adults, and veterans.
D. Transport individuals if safety or immediate medical attention is not a concern.
E. Work with various community agencies addressing aspects of homelessness in the community, including but not limited to Flood Ministries, Conservator’s Office, KCSO, Brundage Lane and M Street Navigation Centers, and Recovery Station, etc.
F. Track and maintain daily census information for services provided.
G. Advise and/or coordinate with the individual’s treatment provider, if applicable.
15 BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER PROGRAM
EXHIBIT F – FUNDING SCHEDULE
JULY 1, 2026 – JUNE 30, 2027
BUDGET UNIT 4120 KERNBHRS REVENUE TOTAL FUNDING
FY 2026-2027 ALLOWED $413,000
MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT $413,00
For the three (3) FTE Behavioral Health Recovery Specialists assigned to the BPD Communications Center under this MOU, BHRS will be reimbursed as follows:
Position 1 – Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist III:
i. Annual Salary = $80,102
ii. Federal Payroll Taxes = $6,074.43
iii. Retirement = $44,614
iv. Medical Insurance = $15,523
v. Retiree Insurance = $1,315
vi. Overtime = $12,706.20
Position 2 – Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist III:
i. Annual Salary = $80,102
ii. Federal Payroll Taxes = $5,188.13
iii. Retirement = $40,077
iv. Medical Insurance = $15,523
v. Retiree Insurance = $1,315
vi. Overtime = $8,116.2
Position 3 – Behavioral Health Recovery Specialist I:
i. Annual Salary = $57,966
ii. Federal Payroll Taxes = $3,588.26
iii. Retirement = $23,521
iv. Medical Insurance = $15,523
v. Retiree Insurance = $0
vi. Overtime = $1,717.51
TOTAL = Not to Exceed $413,000 for three (3) assigned Behavioral Health and Recovery Specialist positions.
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16 [END OF MOU]