Still, Atchison said, it’s key to show people that his team has different tools and goals than police. Many of those they encounter expect to be hospitalized, or even arrested.

Atchison wants to avoid those experiences, which can create more trauma, he said. He wants people to maintain agency over their lives, even when they need help.

He said he’s quick to say: “I’m here to hear you out.”

‘Give people their power back’

Feeling Guidance to Dive into the Police articles Today. Starting here and now shifting to the recent Pegeen and Alexa articles.