The copperas cove police department proposes to implement the mental health response team

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (CFDA 16.753 Congressionally Recommended Awards) awarded a $748,000 Project Grant to the City of Copperas Cove, Texas to implement a Mental Health Response Team. The purpose of the project is to establish a dedicated team to respond to calls for service involving individuals in mental health crisis and provide follow-up support for at-risk community members within the city. Key project activities include selecting qualified personnel, implementing a specialized training program, and equipping the team with necessary equipment. Expected outcomes include improved officer and citizen safety, increased availability of mental health support and services, decreased frequency of enforcement encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness, and redirected police resources to enhance overall community safety and crime prevention.

The purpose is to have the ability for a dedicated team to respond to calls for service when a person is in crisis and to provide follow-up for at-risk individuals in the jurisdictional boundaries of the city of copperas cove (which includes three different counties). Project activities include selecting qualified individuals, implementing a training program, and supplying qualified personnel with the necessary equipment to perform essential functions of the job. Expected outcomes include improved officer and citizen safety; increased availability of support, services, and treatment to people before a crisis; decreased frequency of enforcement encounters with individuals with mental illness; and redirected enforcement resources to allow for additional crime detection, suppression, and community involvement.