The proposed project aims to enhance the effectiveness of the summit county outreach team (scout) program by implementing innovative strategies and technologies

This Project Grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), under the Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (CFDA 16.745), provides $459,442 to the City of Akron Police Department to enhance the effectiveness of the Summit County Outreach Team (SCOUT) program. The key activities include developing and implementing a planning phase to improve the SCOUT program, incorporating data-driven tools like Street Smart, and exploring the temporary assignment of an officer to the SCOUT team. The project aims to establish a more effective and responsive approach to addressing mental health needs in the community while promoting public health and safety. The award has an initial period of performance from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

Operated collaboratively by the city of akron, the summit county alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services board, and portage path behavioral health, the scout program employs a CO-responder model to address mental health crises in the community. The primary goal of the project is to improve responses to and outcomes for individuals with mental health disorders or CO-occurring substance use and mental health disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system. Key activities include developing and implementing a planning phase to enhance the scout program and incorporating initiatives such as street smart, a data-driven tool providing valuable insights from prior calls and incidents. The project will also explore the temporary assignment of an officer to the scout team to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Through these efforts, the project seeks to establish a more effective and responsive approach to addressing mental health needs in the community while promoting public health and safety. There are no planned conference activities for the recommended award.