Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Awarded $277,598 to Expand Crisis Intervention Response Team

The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $277,598 in discretionary federal funding to expand its Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT), the office announced in a release and a Facebook post. Officials say the money will strengthen the county’s response to mental health-related calls and shift the focus toward de-escalation and connections to care.

"The funding will enhance CIRT’s ability to respond effectively to individuals experiencing mental health crises by increasing the use of de-escalation strategies and strengthening connections to appropriate care and support services," the release said. The sheriff’s office also expressed gratitude to Congress for the allocation and described the expansion as designed to "reduce unnecessary incarceration for individuals facing mental health challenges and to improve access to treatment and community-based resources."

CIRT, as currently described by the sheriff’s office, aims to promote safer interactions between law enforcement and residents while achieving better long-term outcomes for those in crisis. Local officials framed the award as an investment in public safety that prioritizes mental health awareness and support within the community.

Key operational details were not included in the initial announcement. The release does not specify how the $277,598 will be allocated among staffing, training, contracts with behavioral health providers, technology, or other items. It also provides no timeline for implementation, no information on whether the funds are one-time or recurring, and no baseline metrics for current CIRT caseloads or outcomes. The sheriff’s office said only that "additional details about the expanded services are expected to be released as the program moves forward."

For Forsyth County residents, the grant could change how first responders handle incidents involving mental illness, potentially reducing arrests and increasing referrals to treatment and community-based services. Expanding de-escalation capacity and formal pathways to care can lower the burden on jails and emergency departments and improve outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs. How quickly and effectively those changes occur will depend on the program design, hiring or partner arrangements, and the availability of community treatment capacity.

County leaders and mental health partners will be key actors as the expansion unfolds. The sheriff’s office release frames the award as strengthening public safety while prioritizing mental health supports, but officials have promised more details on implementation and scope.

Residents seeking clarity should watch for the sheriff’s office to publish the full plan, including staffing, timelines, and measurable goals. The success of the investment will hinge on transparent reporting of how the $277,598 is spent and whether the expansion produces measurable reductions in incarceration and improved access to treatment for Forsyth County residents.