The Omaha Police Department (OPD) is making significant strides in addressing mental health crises within the community by seeking to expand its mental health co-responder program. This initiative is part of OPD’s ongoing commitment to provide compassionate support to those in need, and the department aims to add another professional to its existing team of mental health crisis co-responders.
For the past four years, OPD has worked alongside mental health professionals to deal with crisis situations more effectively. Shelly Poole, one of the department’s co-responders, has firsthand experience in how crucial this collaboration is. Her initial engagement with a man experiencing mental health issues led to a successful de-escalation of the situation. During her testimony before the Omaha City Council, Poole emphasized the importance of minimizing incarcerations and ensuring individuals in crisis receive the appropriate care instead of being transported to correctional facilities.
Currently, OPD maintains a structure in which each of its five precincts has an assigned mental health co-responder who works during either B or C shifts. Additionally, other co-responders are dedicated to schools, assisting in threat assessments and further extending their reach within the community. The proposed addition would increase the number of co-responders to seven, a move that some city council members believe is still below potential. Councilmember Aimee Melton expressed a desire to see more resources allocated, ideally ensuring that every shift in each precinct has access to a mental health professional, as well as backup support.
This drive to expand the co-responder team stems from recognition of the vital role these professionals play in crisis situations. The aim is to provide timely intervention, which often prevents individuals from entering the criminal justice system unnecessarily. A troubling reality highlighted in the council discussions is that the Douglas County Correctional Center has become the largest mental health facility in Nebraska. The need for effective alternatives to this system is clear, and the mental health co-responders represent a proactive approach to avoid criminalizing mental health issues.
City Councilmember Danny Begley echoed these sentiments, stating that the de-escalation skills employed by Poole and her colleagues are invaluable to the city. Meanwhile, Councilmember Pete Festersen expressed gratitude for the philanthropic support that initiated the program. He underscored the necessity of integrating mental health resources into the city’s budget for sustainable future operations.
The financial framework for the proposed addition revolves around a grant from the Omaha Police Foundation exceeding $168,000. This grant, which would cover the new co-responder’s salary, is set to continue through 2027. The incorporation of mental health crisis intervention into foundational city services is a vision that many hope will become a staple in the budget discussions.
The city council is scheduled to vote on the addition at the next meeting, and there is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding the proposal. As the understanding of mental health issues continues to evolve, initiatives like OPD’s mental health co-responder program are vital for fostering a supportive community. Expanding the team not only increases the department’s ability to respond effectively but also reinforces the message that mental health deserves thoughtful attention and care.
The impact of having specialized mental health professionals in crisis situations cannot be overstated. In a landscape where many individuals find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system due to untreated mental health issues, programs like that of the Omaha Police Department are essential. They represent a shift towards understanding mental health as a public health concern rather than a criminal issue.
As Omaha moves forward, maintaining a strong emphasis on mental health crisis responses will remain critical. The community’s response—signified by the proposed addition of more mental health co-responders—illustrates a collective commitment to providing compassionate care and support for individuals in crisis.
Increasing the mental health co-responder unit would not only enhance service provision but could also serve as a template for other cities looking to implement similar programs. As mental health becomes an integral part of law enforcement strategies, the importance of funding, support, and advocacy remains urgent.
In summary, the growth of the Omaha Police Department’s mental health co-responder team is a hopeful sign for those dealing with the challenges of mental health crises. By adding another member to this essential team, OPD continues to demonstrate its dedication to understanding and effectively responding to community needs, thereby paving the way for a more compassionate approach to mental health in law enforcement. As the city council prepares to vote, the hopes of many rest on the approval of this crucial addition.
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