The Fairbanks Emergency Service Patrol (ESP) is a City of Fairbanks program under operation by Fairbanks Integrated Community Services.
ESP provides safe, 911-dispatched support and transport for individuals experiencing intoxication, substance use, or related social challenges. Unlike prior deliveries of ESP, which primarily transported intoxicated people to jail for sober sleep-off, our model addresses a broader range of needs. Our expanded model supports individuals experiencing non-alcohol substance use as well as other social determinants of health. We connect people to the lowest appropriate level of care, such as friends or family, the sobering center, detox, or (when needed) to the hospital. We emphasize long-term outcomes, supporting individuals with accessing residential treatment, stable housing, and vital support services. Currently operating 8 hours a day (with expansion underway), ESP remains committed to improving both immediate safety and long-term well-being.
The Emergency Service Patrol is dispatched by the Fairbanks Emergency Communication Center.
For dispatching, please call FECC at 907-459-6800
For emergencies, call 9-1-1
For general program information, email ESP@fairbanksics.org
Instead of providing pick-up and drop-off transportation to Fairbanks Correctional Center for sober sleep-off, we support individuals with accessing the recovery system (such as detox, residential treatment, primary care, etc.). We offer additional support including case management and peer support services with a goal to achieve long-term changes.
Individuals who appear acutely intoxicated or incapacitated are appropriate for our rapid-response service. For these individuals please call the Fairbanks Emergency Communication Center at 907-459-6800.
Individuals who have substance abuse, are experiencing homelessness, and/or have other health care access barriers can be referred through our referral service at referrals@fairbanksics.org or 907-651-6552.
For individuals contacted through our 9-1-1 dispatched service, we attempt to follow-up with them post-discharge from facility based care or across the community for all other types of resolutions. Typical supports we offer include: assistance with getting on the Coordinated Entry list for housing, public assistance benefit applications, primary care scheduling, and case-by-case needs directly or via coordination with other providers.
Individuals who are actively experiencing a mental health crisis should be directed to the Mobile Crisis Team.
Individuals engaged in active crimes or violent/assaultive behaviors should be directed to the police department.
We do not execute no-trespass orders.
Reach out to us at ESP@fairbanksics.org for any questions or opportunities for involvement. For any immediate needs please contact FECC at 907-459-6800.
