09/15/2026
In August 2023, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office established the Community Action Team (CAT) to better serve residents experiencing mental health crisis and connect them with resources and support.
The team was created after the Sheriff’s Office recognized a need to provide additional assistance to individuals who were repeatedly contacting our agency while experiencing ongoing mental health challenges. The goal of CAT is to provide support before a crisis occurs or escalates and to establish a positive connection with law enforcement when an individual is not in crisis.
The Community Action Team consists of multiple deputies who work with individuals identified through calls for service or referrals from community members and partner agencies that are trained on mental health. Once an individual is identified and agrees to participate, CAT deputies, along with social services make monthly visits to check on their well-being, identify any needs, and help connect them with appropriate community resources.
Participation in the program is completely voluntary, and individuals may choose to not participate at any time.
Since the program’s implementation, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office has seen a decrease in calls for service involving individuals participating in the program. This reflects the positive impact that proactive outreach and community partnerships can have on the lives of residents and their families.
The Southampton County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with the Southampton County Social Services Department in support of this important initiative. We greatly appreciate their continued assistance and commitment to serving the community.
If you or someone you know may benefit from this program, please contact Det. Ben Grizzard at the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 653-2100.
