FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for CCRP
Revised November 10, 2025
What is CCRP?
CCRP stands for the Community Crisis Response Program—a newly established department within the City of Richmond. It is a supportive safety response system designed to address non-medical, non-violent, and low-acuity behavioral health calls.
What is a Low-Acuity Crisis?
- A situation that feels like an emergency to the person involved.
- It is not life-threatening.
- It does not require police (no violence) or medical personnel (no medical emergency)
Who is ROCK?
Through a city-wide poll, we asked our community to help name our new mobile crisis team, and they chose "Reach Out with Compassion and Kindness," or ROCK. This name reflects the supportive and caring response our team provides.
What is the purpose of the ROCK team?
The ROCK team is a new safety response system that provides a compassionate, effective response to non-life-threatening situations. Richmond’s 911 Communication Center (Dispatch) and the non-emergency line receive over 200,000 calls per year (Communications Center | Richmond, CA - Official Website). That is an average of 16,000 calls per month and estimated 533 calls per day. By offering this complementary option to our Dispatch, we ensure the right response reaches every call. This allows police and fire to focus on urgent emergencies, while our team connects individuals in crisis with the support and services they need.
The ROCK team strengthens Richmond’s community safety system and would allow not just Dispatch, but Police or Fire personnel already involved in an incident another safety unit that can coordinate supportive or follow-up resources upon request.
Is it dangerous to respond to a crisis without the police?
The safety of our Responders and the community is our top priority. That’s why the ROCK team undergoes a vigorous 8-week training academy before they hit the streets. These trainings will include topics such as de-escalation, crisis response, and trauma-informed care. These training courses were developed with leading experts in the field and similar programs locally and nationally. CCRP also worked alongside Richmond Police and Fire for their input in training. In addition, they will train side by side with Richmond Fire and Police Personnel to ensure everyone is well-trained in expectations and goals for supportive response encounters. For added safety, teams are always equipped with a direct radio link to Dispatch for immediate backup if needed.
What types of calls will ROCK be deployed to?
CCRP staff is working collaboratively with Dispatch and first responders to review and analyze call type data and determine which types of calls are best suited for ROCK to respond to. To ensure the safety of everyone involved, calls will be regularly evaluated. The current proposed call types could include the following:
- Low-level behavioral health crises
- Wellness Checks
- Disturbances
- Safe Transport
- Requests for Information or Resources
What services does CCRP provide?
CCRP offers immediate support through crisis de-escalation, mediation, alcohol and substance use mediation, and behavioral health care and system navigation to city, county, and state services. One common obstacle to accessing help is a lack of awareness or support in accessing available resources. A key objective of the CCRP is to bridge this gap by connecting Richmond Community members with the appropriate services tailored to meet their specific needs.
Who will staff the ROCK vans?
All staff will be City of Richmond employees. Each van will be staffed by two Community Intervention Specialists who have the education and background in crisis work. Responders will undergo extensive training in behavioral health crisis response, de-escalation, trauma-informed care, and mediation for individuals living with a substance use disorder. These responders bring along with them their own lived experiences that allows them to connect with and support our community through compassion and empathy.
Will the ROCK Vans be used to transport individuals?
The ROCK Vans are custom designed to be a safe and private space for community members in crises. The interior is thoughtfully designed with resources such as therapeutic supplies to support community members of all ages.. All care and transportation are voluntary. A parent or guardian must provide explicit consent for transport services with minors to ensure their safety.*
*Situations will be evaluated based on what is best for the minor’s safety.
Will CCRP require all their Community Intervention Specialists to be licensed clinicians?
No. We believe crisis work is centered around one’s ability to connect with people in an impactful and meaningful way. Our responders come from a large pool of candidates with a deep connection to and/or are passionate about serving our Richmond community. The ROCK team is comprised of individuals with a combination of education, lived experience, and the ability to connect with individuals in crisis. Each of our selected ROCK responders were selected based on a stringent hiring process.
When will the team be up and running?
The ROCK Team's official launch is planned for the first quarter of 2026.
How long do you anticipate each call to last?
It will depend on the situation. Some calls may be shorter, such as wellness checks that may take a few minutes. Domestic crisis mediation or calls related to low-level suicidal ideations may last hours. ROCK Team engagements are determined by the individual they are serving to ensure all possible options and resources are explored and facilitated.
How is the ROCK team dispatched?
CCRP is working with Richmond's 911 Communication Center (Dispatch) for calls to be triaged through 911. The calls will be screened for safety and appropriateness prior to ROCK deployment.
What hours will the ROCK Team be available?
CCRP continues to work internally with Dispatch, Richmond Fire, and Richmond Police to evaluate data on call types and times that could best be served by the ROCK Team. Our goal is to ensure the ROCK Team can be in areas of Richmond where the communities would benefit from additional support and a rapid response time.
Does the team write psychiatric holds?
No. All services that the ROCK Team offers are voluntary. The team takes great pride in empowering individuals and families to choose an available option that makes the most sense for their situation. In the event someone we are working with meets the criteria for a potential psychiatric hold, we would request support from our Contra Costa County partners at Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime (A3).
Where does the ROCK team respond?
The ROCK team will respond to calls within the Richmond city limits. There may be calls related to Richmond residents that may also be served by the ROCK Team, or as evaluated by Dispatch and executive management.
Is there a cost to receive services?
No. The CCRP Team provides a broad range of no-cost services to Richmond Residents such as providing information and referrals, crisis intervention, transportation to other service providers, and social service needs.
Is ROCK responding to calls now?
As the program prepares for its official launch, Program Manager Michael Romero responds to a limited number of calls for service from City of Richmond departments. Mr. Romero has addressed various community needs including: supporting distressed individuals and facilitating comprehensive wrap-around services. CCRP continues to work with internal and external entities around data and city service coordination, as well as safety and service protocols.
Is there an advisory board connected to CCRP?
Yes. The board is expected to consist of at least nine (9) and at most thirteen (13) members. Board members represent the diverse demographic, background, and perspectives within the Richmond community. As of November 2025, there have been 11 members appointed. If you are interested in learning more or would like to apply to be a board member, please visit: Community Crisis Response Program Advisory Board | Richmond, CA - Official Website.
How can I learn more about CCRP?
You can contact staff for program information at CCRP@ci.richmond.ca.us. (Please Note: This email address is for program information and general inquiries only and is not monitored for service requests). You can also visit the website at https://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/4705/Community-Crisis-Response-Program.