Community Assistance Program (CAP) Expansion Implementation Report

Thinking

• Report on the implementation and expansion of the Community Assistance Program (CAP).
• Details performance metrics for Behavioral Health Units (BHUs) and Crisis Response Units (CRUs) for 2025, showing significant increases in calls.
• Highlights increased collaboration with Phoenix Police, leading to a 103% rise in transferred calls (Jan-Sept 2025 vs 2024).
• Plans to convert vacant part-time positions into 21 new full-time specialist positions to enhance service capacity.
• Focuses on improving public safety and health services through alternative response models.

Summary

The report details the implementation and expansion of the Community Assistance Program (CAP), which includes Behavioral Health Units (BHUs) and Crisis Response Units (CRUs). From January to September 2025, BHU calls increased by 91% and police transfers to CAP dispatchers rose by 103% compared to 2024. CAP plans to convert vacant part-time roles into 21 new full-time specialist positions to boost service capacity. In September 2025, CAP responded to 1,339 calls, with BHUs averaging a 19-minute response time and CRUs 23 minutes.

Citizen Impact

Residents will benefit from expanded and more responsive behavioral health and crisis intervention services, potentially reducing reliance on traditional police/fire for non-emergency mental health calls.

Confidence

high