Mental Health Facility Closing Could Impact OK Law Enforcement Officers

Deaconess Hospital is closing its doors at its Bethany mental health facility. The move means 57 adult psychiatric beds can no longer be used for patients who may have to stay up to 72 hours.

Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel says less beds means less time on the street for his deputies.

"It's a huge problem," said Sheriff Whetsel, who said his deputies drive 5000 miles each month to find beds for the mentally ill they pick up.

If no beds are available in Oklahoma City, they'll drive to Tulsa, Lawton or Enid.

The Oklahoma City Police Department has taken people to the Deaconess Bethany facility 825 times this year.

Deaconess sites fewer patients requiring inpatient hospital care and declining reimbursement as factors for closing the Bethany facility.

It officially closes its doors February 10, 2014.