MAGAZINE RECOGNIZES BURLESON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE TEAM

  

A local law enforcement agency is being recognized for the strides they have made in dealing with mental health cases.

The Texas Monthly Progress Magazine has highlighted the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Intervention Team for what they call a “proactive approach.”

The team consists of Sergeant Shawn Edwards, who started the team in 2020, Deputy Randy Jackson, and pre-trial mental health caseworker, Haley Nichols.

According to Sgt. Edwards, the team advocates for those with mental illnesses or disabilities. Edwards explained that one of their primary goals is to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Statistics show that the Burleson County Crisis Intervention Team has handled 975 calls over the last three years.

Out of those cases, 155 were diverted from the County Jail in Caldwell to another option that would help them receive the best care.

Edwards told KBTX-TV that by not housing those cases in the jail and moving them to other locations, that they have saved taxpayers in Burleson County over a million dollars.

Edwards credits their partnerships in the community and the county that have helped grow the program.