Street Outreach Team

Formed in 2008, the Street
Outreach Team (SOT) consists of a two-person unit that addresses public
disorder, homelessness, substance abuse, and mental illness. The SOT focuses on
a small but high-impacting group of individuals, and builds partnerships with
mental health agencies, service providers, shelter outreach personnel,
Community Service Officers, and the courts.

The SOT uses proactive solutions
to respond to the needs of priority individuals, and maintains regular
communication and coordination with partners in crisis planning. Team members
act with patience, compassion, and sensitivity to those struggling with
addiction and mental illness while balancing the BPD’s responsibility to public
safety.