The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office announced on Mar. 24 a partnership with Charlotte Behavioral Health Care to provide licensed mental health clinicians who will assist deputies both in the community and within the county jail.
This initiative aims to address increasing challenges related to mental illness, substance use, and homelessness by offering coordinated services that reduce unnecessary reliance on emergency departments and law enforcement-only responses.
For community members experiencing mental health or substance use crises, the ANCOR (Adaptive Network for Care, Outreach, and Recovery) Team provides timely intervention. The program seeks to redirect individuals away from judicial systems toward recovery-oriented care. ANCOR clinicians work closely with deputies to assess needs, offer immediate help, and connect people and families with appropriate services. Follow-up support is available as needed after a crisis has been resolved.
Within the DeSoto County Jail, a mental health clinician conducts comprehensive assessments of inmates and helps facilitate appointments with the jail psychologist. If an inmate is prescribed medication, coordination ensures they continue their regimen as directed. The clinician also offers group and individual therapy sessions focused on anger management, substance abuse issues, parenting skills, and relationship management. Inmates who complete sixteen therapy sessions receive a certificate of completion along with continued support for reintegration into society after release.
Sheriff James F. Potter said he is proud of this collaboration: “While our mission to provide for the safety of our community never changes, having these resources available to our deputies provides them additional support while serving and protecting all of DeSoto County.” Potter added that these services are meant to supplement—not replace—law enforcement response: “Please understand that these services are intended to support, not substitute, the response of law enforcement. This means that when you call us, a deputy will respond like they always have. But now we have extra tools at our disposal to ensure that services we are providing are the best for everyone in our community.”
