Community Outreach And Support Team C.O.A.S.T.

C.O.A.S.T. is a crisis intervention team. They also engage in community activities, providing resources and assistance to those in need.

C.O.A.S.T is a three person team from different professional disciplines. An officer with the Fontana Police Department, a social worker with the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health, and a Firefighter from the San Bernardino County Fire Department with his support dog “Scout”.

Their main function and goal is to intercept calls for service before they go to patrol and/or support patrol on mental health calls. When the team is able to engage with those experiencing mental health crisis, or do maintenance before they get into crisis, they can reduce calls for service, use of force, build rapport with the public, take the burden off first responders and reduce the number of “5150’s”.

The team is able to spend time with citizens and provide resources to them. They are able to build rapport with individuals and gain their trust. Each representative of the team assesses the individual and their situation. They can then offer assistance, education and support to the individual and their family/caretakers on a regular basis. 

If you live in the City of Fontana and are suffering from a mental health crisis or know someone that is, please contact the Fontana Police Department Dispatch at 909-350-7700. To contact C.O.A.S.T directly, email coast@fontana.org or click here.