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Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement with Central County Services for a Mental Health Co-Responder Program.
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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 polic...
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