Section 3-510 - Police Behavioral Health Units in Baltimore City and Baltimore County(a) To the extent practicable, on or before October 1, 2016, the Baltimore City Police Department and the Baltimore County Police Department each shall establish a behavioral health unit.(b) A behavioral health unit shall consist of at least six officers who are specially trained: (1) to understand the needs of individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; and(2) in cultural sensitivity and cultural competency.(c) Training for officers in a behavioral health unit shall be developed in consultation with the Behavioral Health Administration in the Maryland Department of Health.(d) The purpose of a behavioral health unit is to respond to emergency calls involving an individual suspected of having a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder.(e) The goals of a behavioral health unit are to:(1) divert individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders into treatment instead of the criminal justice system; and(2) prevent and reduce unnecessary use of force and loss of life in situations involving individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.Added by 2015 Md. Laws, Ch. 129,Sec. 1, eff. 5/12/2015.Added by 2015 Md. Laws, Ch. 128,Sec. 1, eff. 5/12/2015.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.