LPD officials push for changes to local mental health crisis response

May 24, 2026 - 18:42

Laredo Police Department officials are urging changes to how the city handles mental health emergencies, citing a lack of funding, gaps in the current system, and the heavy toll on officers. Speaking at a recent Rotary Club meeting, department leaders detailed the challenges they face when responding to calls involving individuals in crisis.

According to LPD representatives, officers are often the first and only responders to mental health incidents, despite not being trained as medical or psychiatric professionals. This puts a strain on patrol resources and can escalate situations that might be better handled by specialized teams. The officials pointed out that the city lacks a dedicated crisis intervention center or a mobile mental health unit that could take over once an officer determines the person needs help, not jail.

Funding was a central issue. The department argued that without state or federal support, Laredo cannot build the infrastructure needed for a proper response. Currently, officers spend hours waiting with individuals at emergency rooms or transporting them to facilities in other counties, pulling them away from other calls.

The push for change comes as the department reviews its own training and protocols. LPD has already implemented Crisis Intervention Team training for some officers, but leaders say this is not enough. They want a coordinated system that includes mental health professionals, social workers, and better follow-up care. Without these changes, they warned, the burden on police and the community will only grow.