Partnership provides mental health response in Maine with police [Video]

Behavioral health nonprofit Sweetser has established a new partnership with law enforcement agencies throughout midcoast Maine to provide liaison work, including de-escalation resources and mental health support to those most in need. Michael Maudlin, Sweetser’s new Mental Health Liaison for Law Enforcement serving the Brunswick, Bath and Topsham Police Departments, as well as the Sagadahoc County Sherriff’s Office, joined Maine’s Total Coverage on Friday.Maudlin said he has a background in both law enforcement and mental health, so he can blend both services. “Mental health liaisons like myself can step in and provide a different level of service than law enforcement can offer on their own. Liaisons can provide community members with links to area resources, mental health support, and de-escalation. My role is to respond alongside law enforcement or respond to referrals from law enforcement and other community entities. This new partnership will have a goal to reduce the level …