Funding will strengthen the Mobile Crisis Response Team led by the SFPS
SMITHS FALLS – As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is enhancing public safety by investing $240,000 over two years to support the mobile crisis response team led by the Smiths Falls Police Service. The funding will enable police to work with trained crisis workers to provide the specialized support often needed when interacting with people who are experiencing a mental health-related crisis.
“MCRT funding is critical for our police services and this collaboration between the Smiths Falls Police Service and Lanark County OPP is vital to supporting residents that are in mental distress and requiring immediate assistance,” said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “This partnership allows for a front-line approach that can provide resources and response that’s needed.”
“Our government is taking decisive action to protect Ontario by ensuring police have the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant, we are equipping police services with the means to strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams—made up of police and crisis workers—who are uniquely positioned to respond to people experiencing a mental health or addictions crisis, de-escalating situations that could threaten public safety while connecting vulnerable individuals with the support they need.”
“This funding is critical in our community to continue to support our MCRT team that we share with Lanark County OPP. Funding supports nurses, social workers and a case worker to work collaboratively with front line patrol officers who respond to a person in a mental health crisis. This team has been so valuable to have in our communities as they not only respond to persons in crisis but also recognize where they would be of assistance in other calls for service when on patrol with officers.” – Jodi Empey, Chief of Police, Smiths Falls Police Service
For 2025-26 and 2026-27, 36 police services and OPP detachments will receive approximately $9 million through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant to increase the capacity of mobile crisis response teams across the province.
Media Release submitted MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston.
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