The City now has the money to pay for a mental health worker to ride along with police, about $300,000.
Councillor Brian McKinnon says the funding from the health authority will save police time and money when they pick up people with mental health issues.
Until now, police would have to stay with a patient at the hospital until staff could take over, so he says this will save plenty of money.
Police will be able to return to their regular patrol while the mental health worker stays at the hospital.
It’s a pilot project and McKinnon wants to see it made permanent. (File photo)
