Every day, the men and women of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department answer calls most of us hope never to receive — calls involving crisis, trauma and the unknown.
But not every emergency is criminal. Many involve mental health or substance use crises, where what’s truly needed isn’t force, but understanding, calm and clinical care.
That’s where LCSD’s Mental Health Response Program comes in — leading the way in community-based policing with compassion.
When crisis calls, so do we — together
Thanks to a vital partnership between LCSD and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, local, trained mental health professionals now respond alongside deputies (using a co-response model) when calls involve behavioral health or substance use issues.
When called, a team made up of one mental health clinician and one deputy responds on scene to assess, de-escalate and determine the least-restrictive, most-supportive next steps.
This isn’t just a safety measure. It’s a model for community trust and trauma-informed response.
Why this matters: The stats behind the mission
- In 2021, 1 in 5 U.S. adults (57.8 million people) experienced a mental illness, and 1 in 20 experienced a serious mental illness (NAMI).
- Law enforcement officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty (Blue H.E.L.P.).
- Only 17 percent of officers who died by suicide had sought treatment for PTSD, and just 7 percent had accessed any mental health treatment (ABC News, 2023).
These sobering figures highlight the urgent need for proactive mental health support — for both the public and the officers who serve them.
The impact of showing up with compassion
We asked Megan Clark, who works in the Crisis Intervention Team for the Lexington County Community Mental Health Center and is embedded with LCSD, why she is so passionate about her role within Lexington County.
“Since law enforcement officers are often the ones to respond to these situations, it’s beneficial to have a team including a mental health professional to address the problem,” Clark said. “This pairing allows us to go out into the community and provide best practice, as well as prevention, in real time.
“Being embedded in the Sheriff’s Department is a really beneficial resource and extra tool,” she said. “It’s a new position, so a new way of working, and the deputies really see the need to have a mental health clinician in the field.
“Every scene is different. We listen to the individual, speak with family or bystanders, de-escalate and work together to decide what’s best — safely and compassionately.”
This approach provides real-time mental health intervention that prioritizes treatment over trauma and hope over handcuffs.
Why May matters: Mental Health Awareness Month
Observed since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to lift the stigma, promote open conversation and recognize that it’s OK not to be OK.
May also is the month in which National Police Week — a meaningful overlap. Because while we honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty, we must also honor the emotional burden carried by those still serving.
The truth is: officers are human too. And behind every uniform is someone who needs care, connection and community — just like the people they protect.
Final thoughts
Mental Health Awareness Month takes place each May and for LCSD it is an opportunity to share not only what the team does each, and every day, and to raise awareness, but more importantly — it’s about action.
If you need help, ask. If someone you love needs support, make the call. If you want to make a difference, join us in building a safer, more compassionate Lexington County — call by call, step by step.
For those passionate about serving their community, a career at LCSD offers a rewarding path filled with opportunities to make a difference. If you are interested in joining this team and providing support to those in need, visit our website to learn more about open positions and career opportunities.
Resources You Should Know – For our Community
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis:
- For medical or immediate emergencies, call 911
- For mental health/substance use support, contact the 24/7 Mobile Crisis Team:
833-364-2274
- To reach the 24/7 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – call or text 988
If you or a loved one needs help, LCSD and its community partners are here:
- Adult Clinic: 📞 803-359-3545
- Child & Adolescent Clinic: 📞 803-359-7206
- Location: 301 Palmetto Park Boulevard, Lexington, SC
- Walk-In Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
For more information on victim assistance visit – https://www.lexingtonscsheriff.com/victims-assistance/