The city of columbia heights is a first ring minneapolis suburb with above average crime, below average income, a large diverse population and a high volume of mental health calls including crisis…

The City of Columbia Heights was awarded a $207,849 Project Grant from the Department of Justice Offices Boards and Divisions Community Oriented Policing Program under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710). The grant will fund a partnership with a local health resource provider to staff a full-time mental health professional at the police department from September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2023.

The mental health professional will work alongside police officers to respond to crisis incidents requiring medical holds or transports, with the goal of de-escalating situations and connecting individuals in need to support resources. This aligns with the COPS Office's mission of assisting law enforcement agencies to enhance effectiveness and build capacity for public safety through community policing strategies like collaborative partnerships and proactive problem solving.

The city of columbia heights is a first ring minneapolis suburb with above average crime, below average income, a large diverse population and a high volume of mental health calls including crisis incidents requiring medical hold transports. This grant proposal is for a partnership with a local health resource provider to staff a full time mental health professional at the police department to respond with police officers to those in crisis and in need of resources. The mental health professional will work alongside the police to DE-escalate situations, as well as to connect individuals in need with support resources. The selected contract organization has an established track record of providing service in this area.