Governor Northam Launches TDO Alternative Transportation Program

Governor Northam launched the TDO alternative transportation program designed to provide dignity for those patients currently being transported by law enforcement officers and relieve local law enforcement of transporting TDO patients, freeing them for their intended public safety functions.

Today’s ceremony took place at the Southwest Virginia Mental Health Institute.  The program was funded by the 2019 General Assembly and will be managed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services under a contract with G4S Security Solutions. 

According to Governor Northam, law enforcement officers transported more than 25,000 TDO’s last year. The new program is projected to transport about 50% of all TDO’s once fully operational, addressing this critical need.

This effort was a top legislative priority of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association.