Through partnerships, we create stronger communities. This allows us to better serve the individuals who are in our communities and those in our care. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 1-7, 2017, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is committed to raising awareness about mental illness and learning how to better serve and help those who live with it.

With awareness comes education. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Irwin Carmichael has made this a priority for our staff. All detention officers are required to receive Mental Health First Aid training and tactical communications training. In addition, Sheriff Carmichael has increased his staff’s participation with the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).

"Often times when people come into contact with one of our deputies or detention officers, they’re not having a good day," said Sheriff Carmichael. “If you add mental illness to that equation, the situation can be unhealthy and possibly dangerous, that’s why I want my men and women to have the tools and knowledge to better address those situations when they arise,” added Sheriff Carmichael.

"We worked with our team to put together a video that shows what we all do collaboratively for the betterment of our community," said Sheriff Carmichael. “It’s MCSO, Correct Care Solutions (CCS), our healthcare provider inside the jails, and the Mecklenburg County Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). It’s all of us coming together to show we care about those living with mental illness and we want to help,” added Carmichael.