Who
- Commander Leonard LaFrance and the Eureka Police Department
What
Through innovative de-escalation techniques and structural changes in its approach to crisis intervention, the Eureka Police Department (EPD) is transforming how law enforcement handles mental illness and substance abuse crises, effectively reducing 5150 (involuntary psychiatric) holds by 68% since 2018 and diverting nearly 93% of crisis calls in 2024 from hospitalization or incarceration.
The EPD’s Community Safety Engagement Team, led by Commander Leonard LaFrance, has accomplished these changes by focusing on building relationships with those most affected, and offering access to services like rehab and housing instead of defaulting to jail or emergency departments. This approach is a testament to how small, creative changes can make a big impact, and illustrates that significant progress is possible when law enforcement embraces alternative methods.
Takeaway/Next Steps
Drug addiction, mental illness, and homelessness remain pressing challenges for Eureka and communities across California — and Commander LaFrance’s team continues to refine and share its model of compassionate policing. In May, LaFrance addressed a regional gathering of health care leaders in Sonoma County, inspiring others to consider new approaches to similar challenges.
Hospital Council is proud to highlight EPD’s achievements, and our member hospitals in Humboldt County deeply value their partnership and leadership in tackling these complex issues.
Contact
RVP Meghan Hardin at mhardin@hosptialcouncil.org