Hennepin County and Brooklyn Park officials have teamed up to offer what they call an “alternative response team,” or a group of professionals to respond directly to calls for emergency service or at the request of police officers on-scene.
The group of county social workers, North Memorial paramedics, and city detectives has been working since mid-December in what county officials call a “pilot program” in that it is in the stages of working out any kinks while they hope to expand it further.
“It isn’t up to one officer, one staff person, or even one city to ensure that people are safe,” said Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollis Winston at a press conference on Wednesday. “We need all of our partners.”
Brooklyn Park police say the team works regular daytime hours right now, but Chief Mark Bruley said his officers are already asking when it will be expanded to other shifts.
“It’s in our DNA to find different ways to serve this community. Always has been,” said Chief Bruley.
The team responds to calls that involve overdoses or someone who is in apparent mental distress. It also monitors police radio channels and can respond if needed once an officer has evaluated a call.
“I can honestly say the police officer is not the best person to provide the appropriate resources and care for somebody that’s suffering with mental health issues,” said Chief Bruley.
Mental health workers say they’re relieved to have closer contact with police so that they have support on calls they respond to, as well.
“We envision a future where county and community systems are aligned and coordinated so that we can maximize resources and where services also reflect best practices approaches,” said Hennepin County behavioral health specialist Adesala Oni.