Conway Police Department Co-Responder Crisis Intervention Program

This co-responder program, implemented by Conway Police Department, will establish within the city of Conway the means to address the growing problem of individuals in crisis.  In partnering with the local community mental health agency, Counseling Associates, two teams of a social worker and a law enforcement officer will be created.  These teams will receive training from various professionals and be supervised by both law enforcement and mental health supervisors.  The teams will work a set schedule covering the most active hours of the day and week and will have weekly team meetings with supervisors.  The teams will respond to any call in which an individual is in crisis and the teams can safely access the scene.  Resources have been contacted, and will continue to be developed, for teams to be able to refer individuals to for crisis resolution. 

Once on a scene, the teams will initially de-escalate as needed.  Assessments will be completed by both team members to determine needs.  If possible, the team will address needs while on scene to eliminate further crises.  If that is not possible, the team will refer the individual to an outside resource.  As needed, the teams will conduct follow ups with individuals to ensure appointments and needs are being met.  Teams will be designed and trained to address needs in the following areas: mental health, physical health, homelessness, financial crisis, lack of food or clothing, and other areas as identified.

The program will address two separate priority areas: assisting in building trust between law enforcement and community, and promoting effective strategies by law enforcement to identify and reduce risk of harm to individuals with mental illness.

There will be no target population or proposed number of individuals served.  The population of the city of Conway is approximately 67,000 and demographics are as follows: White- 74%, black- 17%, Hispanic- 4%, Asian- 2%, two or more races and other race- 3%.

This applicant is requesting $547,375 in federal funding over the course of three years.  The lead applicant (City of Conway) and partner applicant (Counseling Associates) will provide $168,000 in matching funds over the three years.

This applicant is not a previous recipient of JMHCP grant funds and will not be subcontracting with any other agency.