Navajo County is working very diligently with the different mental health programs to provide resources and proper treatment for individuals we encounter with mental illness. Deputy Chief Bruce Tucker has taken a very proactive response to address deficiencies in the mental health recognition, response, and treatment process in Navajo County. Deputy Chief Tucker, working with the Navajo County Attorney’s Office, has established a training module specifically designed for patrol officers and jail staff at the Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Chief Tucker has recognized the critical need for mental health services for incidents that do not meet a criminal nexus. Every year David’s Hope honors law enforcement officers for exemplary service and leadership in responding to individuals in a mental health crisis. The mission of David’s Hope is to reduce the number of those with mental disorders and addiction who are incarcerated through prevention, intervention, and treatment. David’s Hope promotes and secures treatment for those with mental health disorders and addictions through increasing collaboration between mental health and criminal justice systems. David’s Hope provides education, mentoring, teaching people how to advocate for themselves and others. Through education and mentoring the hope is to create understanding in the community of the issues facing those living with mental illness involved in the criminal justice system.
