CCSO Behavioral Health Bureau Leads with Compassion, Innovation

“Jane” became a familiar voice to 911 dispatchers, reporting everything from alligators in her yard to people listening through her lamps and TV. Deputies responded repeatedly and, though the calls were unfounded, their Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training helped them recognize Jane was experiencing serious mental health challenges, not committing a crime.

Instead of arresting her for misuse of 911, deputies sought help. They contacted Lt. Leslie Weidenhammer of the Collier County Sheriff ’s Office’s Behavioral Health Bureau (BHB), to connect Jane with services and partnered with NAMI Collier County for ongoing support. With coordinated intervention, Jane received care and continues to be supported.

Jane’s story reflects a broader shift in Collier County. Mental health and substance-related crises are met with care, not handcuffs. The Behavioral Health Bureau brings together specially trained deputies and mental health clinicians who work side-by-side to provide support, treatment options and a path toward stability rather than a trip to jail.

“People don’t get better in jail,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Connecting them with treatment and care is the key.”

Mental health has long been among Sheriff Rambosk’s top priorities. For nearly two decades, Sheriff Rambosk has implemented various initiatives and programs to address mental and behavioral health issues within the community and among first responders. He created the Behavioral Health Bureau in 2015 with a philosophy that guides every interaction: people struggling with behavioral health challenges need help, not punishment. In fact, CCSO was one of the first law enforcement agencies in the nation to establish a dedicated bureau focused on assisting individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder.

The nine-member bureau includes two specially trained certified deputies, a full-time CCSO licensed social worker and three crisis call-takers. Under Lt. Weidenhammer’s leadership, they work closely with community partners, including David Lawrence Centers, NCH Healthcare and the courts.

The BHB plays a critical role throughout the county, taking on responsibilities that support both the community and other CCSO members.

The bureau:
• Provides direct outreach and support to individuals and families
• Acts as a liaison with community behavioral health partners
• Serves on Collier County Problem Solving Court teams (Drug Court, Veterans Court and Mental Health Court)
• Deploys the Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT), a co-response unit that pairs law enforcement with mental health professionals, one of the first call response teams in the nation.
• Manages a wider co-response network that includes Fire/EMS and corrections deputies to divert people into services whenever possible
• Oversees the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program, which redirects certain substance-related offenses toward treatment rather than jail or prosecution
• Supports CCSO members and their families through wellness and resiliency programs
• Operates the Crisis Call Diversion Program inside the CCSO Communications Center
• Leads all Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in Collier County, partnering with agencies both inside and outside the county.

This broad range of services ensures that the bureau can help people at every stage of a crisis—from the moment they call for help to long-term follow-up and support Whether they’re responding in person, assisting over the phone, or training others to recognize the signs of crisis, the members of the Behavioral Health Bureau carry out Sheriff Rambosk’s vision every day: to protect the community by connecting people with the help they need.

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