Expansion to Car 60 program proposed by Prince George city councillor

Prince George city councillor Kyle Sampson is proposing the exploration of an expansion to the Car 60 program.

The Car 60 program pairs plainclothes police officers with mental health and addiction support nurses, who respond to calls and provide mental health intervention.

“What we have right now is a program that is operating very well, and very successfully, but with limitations,” Sampson explained.

“There are only so many mental health nurses available to work with this program, and there are only so many officers trained to work with those nurses,” he added.

From 2015 to 2019, The City of Prince George saw a 120% increase in the number of mental-health related calls.

Northern Health reported Car 60’s use has remained consistent, despite the increase.

I have submitted a Notice of Motion which would see City Council direct @CityofPG Administration to work with the @PG_RCMP and @Northern_Health to bring recommendations forward on how to expand the #Car60 program which focuses on mental health, addiction, and public safety. pic.twitter.com/kiHvhdePkj

— Kyle Sampson (@SampsonKyle) July 8, 2020