LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A study says a program in which Lincoln police refer people with mental illness for voluntary help has reduced the chance officers will need to take the same people into emergency protective custody.

The police department’s study looked into the department’s work with the Mental Health Association of Nebraska’s REAL program, which stands for respond, empower, advocate and listen. The program launched in 2011.

The partnership was created after a growing number of mental health investigations by Lincoln police and limited bed space at facilities for emergency protective custody, said Officer Luke Bonkiewicz.

More than 1,900 people had been referred to the program as of September, and 85 percent accepted services, according to the study. The study analyzed data from mental health calls made from 2008 and 2013. Those referred were 33 percent less likely to be taken into protective custody within two years, and 44 percent less likely after three years, the study found.

An officer can refer a person with an identified or suspected mental health issue to the association, Bonkiewicz said.

The association’s peer specialists then offer free, voluntary and non-clinical support. The trained staffers are typically people who have lived with mental illness themselves, he said.

The specialists listen to the person’s issues and help create a plan, which can include navigating legal processes, seeking grief counseling or figuring out financial issues, Bonkiewicz said. The program doesn’t always focus on medication, but aims to help someone struggling with mental illness before they’d need to be placed in involuntary treatment, he said.