Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Central County Services for a Mental Health Co-Responder Program.
Body
DATE: September 3, 2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Pedro Lopez, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Killeen Police Department Mental Health Co-Responder Program
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The Killeen Police Department seeks to create a mental health co-responder program with Central County Services (CCS). A police mental health co-responder program is essential for addressing mental health crises effectively and humanely. By pairing specially trained mental health professionals with law enforcement officers, the program helps ensure that individuals experiencing mental health issues receive appropriate care and support during emergencies. This collaboration enhances public safety, reduces the likelihood of adverse outcomes, and helps de-escalate potentially volatile situations, ultimately promoting better outcomes for individuals and the community.
The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is to enhance interagency cooperation between KPD and CCS in implementing such a co-responder program for mental health crises. The agreement formalizes the mutual understanding regarding the program's operations, funding, policies, planning, and training. CCS will hire and supervise specially trained mental health professionals, known as Co-Responders, to work full-time with KPD. KPD will provide necessary resources such as office space, radios, and additional training, while the Co-Responders will support KPD in addressing mental health issues during law enforcement activities.
The agreement delineates the roles and responsibilities of CCS and KPD. CCS has the authority to hire and supervise Co-Responders, but KPD can reject candidates based on pre-employment screenings. Co-Responders will adhere to the operational practices of KPD while performing case work, but they will follow the CCS’s administrative policies for other matters. Both parties will provide training to ensure the program's goals and protocols are met. The agreement includes provisions for liability, risk assumptions, confidentiality, and media policies, emphasizing compliance with HIPAA regulations. The agreement is effective upon approval by the governing bodies and remains in force through August 31, 2025, with provisions for annual reviews and automatic renewals. It can be terminated by any party with a 30-day written notice, and funding will depend on the budgetary processes and available resources of each party.
This agreement is designed to foster a collaborative approach to managing mental health crises in the community, ensuring that both law enforcement and mental health professionals work together efficiently and effectively. Approval of this agreement will formalize the partnership and provide a structured framework for its successful implementation.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
None
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
N/A
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This agreement conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
None. KPD will utilize existing office space and radio equipment for the program.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
N/A
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager or his designee to enter into an interlocal agreement with Central County Services to implement mental health co-responder program with the Killeen Police Department.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
Legal
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Agreement
Presentation