It was a year ago that the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service began a Mental Health & Suicide Intervention Call Transfer Protocol, which offers an alternative to police response for 911 calls centered on mental health. In the first year, 210 calls were transferred from the Police Service to Mobile Crisis Service.

Police Service call-takers assess the criteria for suitable transfer and get permission from the caller before transferring to MCS. Executive Director of the Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Service, Rita Field says this new call transfer protocol has exceeded their expectations in meeting an important emergency need in the community. She says they have had positive feedback from individuals and families about his partnership with the Police Service, redirecting specific 911 calls from police to professional crisis workers.