You may not have noticed, but recently the Clear Lake Police Department added the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number to all of its marked patrol cars.
Traditionally a majority of police cars in the United States have displayed 911 somewhere on their cars, reminding the public how to reach first responders in case of an emergency. Rarely has law enforcement displayed other resources for those needing help during a crisis… until now.
Clear Lake PD is the first agency to display the 988 resources in the North Iowa region, along with being one of the first in the state. After looking for ways to share the availability of, and encourage the use of a great resource for people during a crisis, Chief Colby authorized the change to the patrol car fleet.
Anyone can contact 988 twenty four hours a day, seven days a week by calling, or texting. The number gives access to a trained crisis counselor who can help people experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use, mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. You may also contact 988 if you know of someone that may need assistance with a crisis.
Chief Colby had this to say about the change to the department patrol cars, “988 is a great resource. People experience crisis differently in their lives. Many may not need law enforcement or other first responders’ assistance, but still need access to trained experts that they can talk to. By our department adding 988 to our cars, our hope is to share just another tool with our community for those needing help.”
For more information on 988 please visit www.samhsa.gov
