Skip to content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

Crisis Response Team (CRT)

Crisis Response Team (CRT)

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Crisis Response Team (CRT) provides immediate critical incident stress management services to individuals, groups, and organizations. Volunteers from the community with background in human service and helping professions are carefully selected and trained for this team. The goal is to lessen the immediate and long-term effects of a crisis.

Getting Help – Activate the CRT at (541) 766-6911

Have you or your organization experienced a critical incident? An event so abnormal or horrendous that it overwhelms normal coping skills? Our team of trained professional volunteers are available to help anytime, day or night.

Studies have shown that the skillful intervention of a caring professional in the hours and days following a critical incident can make a huge difference in the life of the traumatized individual.

To activate the BCSO Crisis Response Team call (541) 766-6911. This is a 24-hour access number. You will be asked a few questions about the event experienced so that dispatchers can connect you to the appropriate Crisis Response Team member.

What is a Critical Incident?

A Critical Incident is a stress event that is so abnormal or horrendous that it overwhelms a person’s normal coping skills. Typically it is unexpected, unavoidable, and the person is unable to prepare for it.

Examples of critical incidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Sudden death of someone close
  • Serious motor vehicle accidents
  • Physical assault
  • Witnessing fatalities or suicide
  • Serious industrial or workplace accidents
  • Natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and floods

While humans are extremely resilient, approximately 80 – 85% of those exposed to a critical incident will show noticeable symptoms of some kind of critical incident stress within 24 hours. Read more on Reactions to Critical Incidents.

Self Care

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives. It is normal. It’s the body’s natural response to meet a physical or emotional challenge. Good self-care can help strengthen your coping mechanisms in order to deal with the tension and anxiety caused by stress. Read more on Self-Care for Stress Management.

Other Resources

While our team focuses on support following a critical incident, other community resources are available for those in emotional distress or dealing with other types of stressful situations. Local resources include, but are not limited to:

  • Benton County Mental Health Crisis Line: 888-232-7192
  • Crisis Text Line: Text OREGON to 741741
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Benton County Victim’s Assistance Program: 541-766-6699
  • CARDV, Center Against Rape & Domestic Violence Crisis & Support Hotline: 541-754-0110 or toll free 800-927-0197

Additionally, the Benton County Mental Health Counselor of the Day is available Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm for drop in support at 530 NW 27th Street, Corvallis, Oregon.

Back to top