From Crisis to Care: EPD Responds to Water Tower Emergency

On Sunday, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) responded to a high-risk situation when a woman in crisis climbed a 150-foot water tower near Wood and L Streets. At times, she hung precariously from the railing, raising significant concerns for her safety.

The response involved multiple agencies, including Humboldt Bay Fire, City Ambulance, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiations Team, EPD’s Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET), and the CARE program team. After more than three hours of negotiation, the woman voluntarily climbed down and was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and care.

A Human-Centered Approach to Crisis Intervention

Commander Leonard LaFrance, who oversees investigations and special teams for EPD, emphasized the department’s shift towards a more compassionate, person-centered approach to handling mental health crises. “It’s about being human, making genuine connections, and figuring out what’s needed to get someone the help they require,” LaFrance explained.

This transformation began in 2015 with the MIST program, which paired officers with county clinicians and case managers. In 2018, the creation of CSET expanded this partnership, embedding mental health professionals directly into the police response framework. By 2022, the CARE program was introduced, offering dedicated mental health resources to address crises in real-time.

Training and Collaboration at the Core of EPD’s Strategy

EPD has invested heavily in specialized training to prepare its officers and partners for crisis situations. Key programs include:

• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training: A 40-hour intensive course provided in partnership with the Yurok Tribe Police, focusing on mental health response strategies.
• CIT International Conference: Annual attendance provides EPD officers with exposure to national best practices.
• Crisis Negotiations Training: Equips officers with skills to handle high-stakes situations and collaborate with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiations Team.
• Strategic Communications and De-escalation Training: Focuses on communication techniques to achieve voluntary compliance.
• Autism Response Training: Tailored for law enforcement, emergency responders, and mental health professionals to improve interactions with individuals on the autism spectrum.
• WI 5150 Mental Health Hold Evaluation: Advanced training on assessing and properly documenting mental health holds.

These programs, combined with ongoing collaboration with Humboldt County Behavioral Health and community partners, have positioned EPD as a leader in modern crisis response strategies.

Measurable Impact on Crisis Outcomes

Despite a rise in mental health-related calls—1,466 calls in 2024 alone—EPD has successfully reduced the number of involuntary 5150 mental health holds. Only 105 holds were initiated in 2024, a testament to the effectiveness of CSET and CARE in de-escalating crises and connecting individuals to the appropriate resources.

Community and Leadership Support

Commander LaFrance credits strong backing from Eureka’s city leadership for enabling these initiatives, even amidst financial challenges. Grants, such as the CARESTAR grant, have provided essential funding for case managers and clinicians to continue their work.

“We want to slow down, handle these calls with care, and treat people with dignity,” LaFrance said. “This isn’t just about responding to crises—it’s about building a culture of compassion and collaboration.”

Support Resources for Those in Crisis

For individuals in crisis, EPD encourages reaching out to the following resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• Local Crisis Line: 707-445-7715
• Humboldt County Behavioral Health: 720 Wood Street, Eureka