LA Sheriff needs many more mental health teams, civilian watchdog says

After nearly a year of study, a civilian oversight panel Thursday recommended Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell sharply increase the number of special teams that respond when deputies need help in the field dealing with individuals with mental health problems.

The Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission said the department should increase the number of two-person Mental Evaluation Teams from 17 to 6o. The panel did not place a price tag on the recommendation but said the L.A. County Board of Supervisors should fund it to reduce the number of mentally ill people killed by deputies each year.