Oklahoma City sees 57% decline in police officers dispatched to mental health-related calls

Crucial partnerships with 988 Mental Health Lifeline, service providers, and city programs and services expansion address community needs

Information from the City of Oklahoma City shows mental health-related calls dispatched to Oklahoma City police officers have dropped over 57% in the past 13 months.

The reduction signals a transformational shift in the way people experiencing mental health crises in Oklahoma City are being connected with specialized support and away from emergency law enforcement intervention.

Mental health-related calls dispatched to Oklahoma City police officers dropped by over 57% from October 2023 to October 2024 — from 1,292 calls in October 2023 to 549 calls in October 2024.

“It is encouraging to see such a significant reduction in OKCPD officers being dispatched to mental health-related calls,” Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy said. “It’s only possible with collaboration among 911 call takers and dispatchers, OKCPD officers and community partners who are trained to help people in crisis connect to the resource they need in that moment.”

Chief Bacy attributes increased mental health-related programs and services for Oklahoma City residents as well as partnerships with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) and mental health service providers as significant drivers for the reduction in OKCPD officers dispatched to mental health-related calls.

“The 988 Lifeline has become a vital resource for people in distress, offering life-changing support and connecting them with the services they need,” Allie Friesen, ODMHSAS Commissioner said. “By working closely with partners like OKCPD, we are reshaping how crises are handled across the state and setting a powerful example of what’s possible when we invest in mental health. This progress underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to improving mental health crisis response through expanded services, enhanced training, and a network of robust community resources, with Oklahoma City’s successes serving as a model for statewide efforts.”

Launched in July 2022, the 988 Mental Health Lifeline plays a pivotal role in connecting Oklahomans experiencing mental health challenges with crisis specialists who are skilled in providing support for people facing thoughts of suicide, self-harm, severe anxiety, depression or other urgent mental health needs.

ODMHSAS reports calls to 988 increased significantly in Oklahoma County during the same period. From October 2023 to October 2024, the monthly call volume increased by 79%, climbing from 193 calls in October 2023 to 345 calls in October 2024. Overall, calls to 988 statewide average 3,004 per month.

“Oklahoma City has developed numerous crisis resources over the past several years, so it’s no surprise 911 calls are down,” says Heather Helberg, CEO of Hope Community Services. “These resources include three Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) that work closely with law enforcement and the fire department, offering alternative crisis responses like Urgent Recovery Centers and Mobile Crisis teams. Collaboration among these community partners is ongoing, and we’re continually improving our response to mental health crises.”

Visit OKC.gov/government/mental-health-services to read the more about the City of Oklahoma City’s mental health programs and read the full Transformational Progress report.

Visit 988 Oklahoma to find more information, resources, and how to access the 988 Mental Health Lifeline when you need it most.