The waxahachie police department will use the FY24 pact funding to implement an enhanced crisis intervention team (CIT) model aimed at addressing the multifaceted and unique needs of individuals…

The Waxahachie Police Department was awarded a $262,344 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) under the Public Safety Partnership and Community Policing Grants program (CFDA 16.710). The grant will fund an enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model to provide immediate support and resource connection for individuals experiencing mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness-related crises. Key activities include rapid response by trained professionals, post-crisis support and intervention, and collaboration with community agencies to raise awareness, promote safety and wellness, and prevent crises. The grant has a performance period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

The waxahachie police department will use the FY24 pact funding to implement an enhanced crisis intervention team (CIT) model aimed at addressing the multifaceted and unique needs of individuals experiencing crisis involving mental/behavioral health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. The purpose of this enhanced CIT model is twofold: to provide immediate support and connection to resources for citizens in crisis and minimize calls for service involving these issues in which law enforcement resources may become overutilized. Key activities will include trained professionals employing evidenced based techniques to conduct a rapid team response, post crisis support and intervention including needs assessments, DE-escalation, resource connection, and facilitating timely referrals to a network of community resources offering ongoing specialized care including mental health facilities, treatment centers, and domestic violence shelters. Additional key activities will consist of close collaboration with community agencies and stakeholders to coordinate efforts and maximize the effectiveness of crisis intervention services through engaging in community education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness, promote safety, wellness, and resilience, for all community members with the ultimate goal of preventing crisis before they occur.