Bexar County Sheriff’s Office

Total number of agency personnel: 1,574
Sworn: 1,242
Civilian: 332

Total population served: 2 million

Jurisdiction: Bexar County, Texas

• Utilizes a Specialized Multidisciplinary Alternative Response Team (SMART) to respond to calls where a person is in crisis.
  • SMART is made up of two teams working in tandem; one consisting of two sworn officers, the other is staffed by civilians (a medical EMT and a licensed clinician).
  • There is also a follow-up arm to the operation, consisting of a peer support specialist and a care manager who contact all individuals who have interacted with the SMART co-responder unit.
  • Dispatch plays a vital role in SMART’s deployment, and personnel are trained to deploy SMART only to nonviolent mental health calls where their impact can be greatest.
• Operates a mental health infirmary, dedicated mental health units, and a Detention Mental Health Evaluation team within the Bexar County Jail.

SMART Website

Lieutenant Brian Barrick
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
200 N. Comal SATX 78207
(210)-284-5307
bbarrick@bexar.org

Kellie Burnam
STCC Program Manager
South Texas Advisory Council (STRAC)
7500 US Highway 90 West, STE 200
SATX 78227
kellie.burnam@bexar.org