HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSS 2021-03-01 Item 1B - Discussion - Police Co-Responder Pilot ProgramCity of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Community Services and Safety Committee
FROM: Interim Chief Eric Drever
BY: Commander Dale Rock
CC: Mayor Ekberg
DATE: February 23, 2021
SUBJECT: City of Tukwila Co -Responder Program
ISSUE
The Police Department is seeking committee approval to implement a Sound Mental Health/
Tukwila Police Department, co -responder program using money that has already been
budgeted by the Police Department through Federal Seizure funds. This will be a pilot program
that runs until December 31.2021. The program will then be reevaluated for funding and
continuation.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with the city's stated goals of a High -Performing & Effective Organization and a
Positive Community Identity & Image for all Tukwila community members, the Police
Department recognizes that there is a need for collaboration of services when it comes to
mental health and chemical addiction issues within the City of Tukwila. Our objective is to
reduce the number of mentally ill and chemically dependent interventions that requires jail and
hospitalizations. The police department also recognizes the need for diversion of mentally ill and
chemically dependent youth and adults from entering the Criminal Justice System. Co -
responder programs throughout the nation have been effective in reducing the number of
people entering the Criminal Justice System, while providing appropriate resources for their
illness. The department needs to provide services that provide the appropriate high-quality
services for our community members.
DISCUSSION
The Tukwila Police Department co -responder program is a collaborative approach designed to
address the City of Tukwila's desire to ensure Tukwila's mentally ill and chemically
dependent residents have access to community treatment in lieu of incarceration for non-violent
misdemeanor offenses where the individual is identified by officers and confirmed by a mental
health professional (MHP) to be demonstrating behaviors symptomatic of a mental disorder
and/or co-occurring disorder (combining mental health behavioral disorders with substance use
disorders).
The program accomplishes this goal by: 1) embedding mental health professionals within the
police department who respond to calls when officers ask for professional (consultive)
assistance by the MHP's; 2) working with and educating officers in traditional methods
employed by mental health professionals to de-escalate individuals demonstrating behavioral
health concerns as well as assist in providing support to identify symptoms stemming from
mental illness versus chemically altered behaviors; 3) ensure appropriate community services
are accessed to facilitate diversion, including community after-care services are available to
individuals diverted from incarceration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The Tukwila Police Department has budgeted $85,000 for one full time MHP. The Tukwila
Police Department and Sound Mental Health have agreed that the cost of the MHP will exceed
$85,000, Sound Mental Health has agreed to pay the difference in costs associated with the
position. Federal Forfeiture Funds will be used, resulting in no impact to the general fund. This 9
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
Page 2
will be a pilot program that runs until December 31.2021. The program will then be reevaluated
for funding and continuation of the program.
RECOMMENDATION
The Police Department would like to request for committee approval to run the pilot program
through December 31, 2021.
ATTACHMENTS
N/A
10 https://tukwilawa.sharepoint.com/sites/mayorsoffice/cc/Council Agenda Items/Police/Co-respondent memo.doc