Midwest City police have taken a proactive step to address the growing number of mental‑health calls in the community. The city’s newly formed Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), launched in January 2025, pairs sworn officers with a licensed mental‑health professional and a certified therapy dog named Miles.
How CIRT works
Rather than waiting for a crisis to erupt, CIRT officers reach out to individuals who have previously needed assistance. “Every person that was in crisis, we follow up on. So, a lot of it will be self‑initiated,” said Sgt. Trae Fisher, a member of the team. The goal is to keep people on their prescribed medications, maintain regular contact with their health providers, and ultimately prevent future emergencies.
Officer Brian Villarreal explained that team members provide their personal work phones to those they serve, allowing direct, daily communication. “They feel more comfortable to contact us personally,” he added.
Miles the therapy dog
Miles, the department’s therapy dog, frequently rides along on patrols and visits Saint Anthony Hospital, one of his favorite stops. When he arrives, staff and patients recognize him instantly, and his presence helps calm individuals in distress. “Miles knows exactly where to go when we get to the hospital,” said Fisher.
Professional support on the road
Each CIRT response includes a licensed mental‑health professional, Nicole Lung, who assesses whether a caller needs hospital care or can be safely managed in the community. “If we do get a call, I do go out with them,” Lung confirmed.
The team’s approach also involves directing individuals to appropriate resources, whether that be an emergency department, the VA hospital, Red Rock, or a diversion program designed to keep people out of the criminal‑justice system.
Impact on the community
Before CIRT, nearly 1,000 mental‑health calls a year were handled by patrol officers without specialized follow‑up. While the volume of calls remains high, police now view the numbers as a sign that the team is reaching more people early. “Probably the biggest difference is keeping people—trying to keep people out of the justice system,” said Lt. Jeremy Zuniga, CIRT coordinator.
By providing consistent, compassionate outreach, the program aims to reduce repeat crises, lower incarceration rates for individuals with mental‑health challenges, and strengthen community trust in law enforcement.
Looking ahead
The city plans to expand CIRT’s reach, adding more mental‑health professionals and exploring additional partnerships with local health providers. As the team continues to refine its methods, officials hope the model will serve as a blueprint for other Oklahoma municipalities seeking to address mental‑health emergencies with dignity and effectiveness.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
