Parents like Diana and Lorrin Burdick expressed their concerns over the new change, as they worry about what it means for loved ones like their son, Michael. Michael is in his fifties and lives on the streets of Rancho Cordova. Diana says she brings him food daily and provides clothes as needed. In years past, she said, Michael lived with her elderly parents, first in their home then in their garage.
"I immediately thought of my parents," she said. "Here they were. They allowed him to stay there."Diana said Michael's delusions often resulted in loud and erratic behavior, prompting repeated calls to the sheriff's department for assistance. It was the deputies who would respond to the non-criminal mental health calls that helped de-escalate the situation. "He would stop. He would calm down. He'd still be saying the same rhetoric, but he'd be in a calmer voice," Diana said. "It helped."
"My God, just give them the proper tools and train them," she urged.
"If you want to make a change, if you want to do this, you need to make sure 988, the crisis teams, are ready," Diana said. "I don't think the community is ready to make this change. I'm fearful for the next person who calls. It's just not time yet."
"My BS meter was pegged," he said. "That was a pretty flimsy excuse he gave for deputies not showing up."
Lorrin said he believes deputies are well-trained and capable of handling these situations without unnecessary force.
Sacramento County response to new policy
CBS13 contacted Sacramento County and its Behavioral Health Services about the new policy. A spokesperson issued the following statement:
We value the Sheriff's Department's support and look forward to continued collaboration when necessary. As we continue to refine our procedures, we will share our updates as appropriate."
CBS13 was also provided a statement by Sacramento County about the new policy.
"The County is reviewing the new policy by SSO and determining what gaps in response it creates and how existing County departments and service providers may shift their response as a result. All County departments remain committed to prioritizing the health and safety of both our staff and the community as a whole."
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