COAST FAQ

1. Why would I call COAST Peel?

• you or someone you know are a resident of Mississauga or Brampton who is experiencing  a mental health crisis that is not an emergency.

2. Why can it not be an emergency?

• there is one team to cover the entire city of Mississauga and one team to cover the entire city of Brampton and as such they cannot guarantee an immediate response – the team handles several crisis each day.  If they are involved with one crisis, they cannot attend another until the first one is complete.
• the officer is partnered with a mental health professional who is not trained to deal with potentially dangerous situations.  To ensure their safety, emergency calls involving a person in mental health crisis are still responded to by front line uniformed officers.

IF YOU ARE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, CALL 911

3. What happens when I call?

• a call is received directly through Peel Crisis Services and is responded to by a trained crisis specialist.  This specialist will conduct a telephone assessment to determine if COAST Peel is required.  If they are required, the team will be contacted by the specialist and they will attend the location of your choice.

4. What about when they arrive?

• the team will arrive as soon as possible.
• they will be in an unmarked police cruiser and will be dressed in regular clothing (they ALWAYS carry identification).
• the team will work together to de-escalate the crisis.  The mental health professional will collect some information from you or your loved one and will do a mental status exam to determine if there is a requirement to attend the hospital or if the crisis can be dealt with by COAST. 
• when the assessment is complete you will be referred to community programs and agencies as needed.  Telephone follow up will be conducted.

5.  How do I reach COAST Peel?

• you can call directly at 905-278-9036.
• your call may be transferred from the regular police number to COAST Peel; if it fits our mandate.
• an officer who attends a call may contact COAST Peel for further information on how to assist a person in crisis.
• ANYONE can call for/to COAST PEEL.