The City of Knoxville approved a 28E agreement between the city and CROSS region related to the Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Program Monday night.

This agreement will provide the Knoxville Police Department with a co-responder team made up of a certified police officer and mental health professional. This team will be certified to properly handle individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. If appropriate, the team will divert the person away from jail or other criminal actions to mental health resources within and/or outside the community. The team will follow-up with the person to ensure progress is being made. 

The group will also serve as the police department’s liaison for community and mental health partners both in and outside the community. The co-responder team will operate an unmarked functional police vehicle and out of standard uniform . The purpose of this is to allow the team to have a “soft” approach with those they come into contact with. For the first year CROSS will fund up to $190,000, and the following years up to $120,000. This includes a vehicle, equipment, training, and the officers wages and benefits. Knoxville City Manger Heather Ussery believes this will have a positive impact for the community.

“I think several departments within our community as well as the patients that are ultimately needing the care are going to see a huge impact from this service. We are looking forward to being able to offer it to the City of Knoxville.”

The co-responder team has also been recently implemented in Waukee, Urbandale, Clive, and West Des Moines.