The city of olathe will use FY24 pact funding to support the agency's CO-responder (CR) program, addition of brand-new programs, options and hiring of a case manager (CM)

The City of Olathe Police Department (OPD) was awarded a $400,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710). The funding will support OPD's expansion of its co-responder (CR) program, new community engagement initiatives, and the hiring of a case manager (CM). This support aims to improve outcomes related to justice system deflection, referrals, crisis call de-escalation, and decreased use of force. OPD plans to inform the community about these new programs through public outreach, including the Citizens Police Academy, the Citizens Police Advisory Council, and partnerships with local organizations. The grant award period is from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

This support will improve current outcomes like justice system deflection, referrals, crisis call DE-escalation, and decreased uses of force on crisis calls.OPD will inform the community about the new programs through the public information officer, classes at the citizens police academy, engagement with the citizens police advisory council, and partnerships with community groups like nami joco, pathway to hope, and heartstrings community foundation.OPD will share information from the justice and mental health collaboration study to help the community understand how these programs benefit them and their neighbors.