Davis-Announces-Funding-to-Implement-Crisis-Intervention-Teams-in-Johnson-County-Law-Enforcement

Press Release

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced the Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) awarded three grants to implement Crisis Intervention Teams in the Kansas Third District. These teams will work to embed mental and behavioral health services with law enforcement, helping promote safe communities. Recipients include:

$186,037 to Johnson County
$250,000 to the City of Olathe
$232,154 to the City of Overland Park

The funds will be used to develop the capacity of local law enforcement to implement community policing. Crisis Intervention Teams link law enforcement, mental health providers, and emergency services to promote crisis management strategies that are sensitive to mental and behavioral health needs.

"With these grants, our local law enforcement will be able to reach more Kansans in need and provide them with the most accurate and effective services for their situation--the right response, by the right person, at the right time," said Davids. "The continued partnership of mental health professionals and law enforcement through programs like these Crisis Intervention Teams leads to safer communities for everyone."

"Our police department is grateful to Congresswoman Davids and Senator Moran for all they have done to secure this much needed support for law enforcement," said Mike Butaud, Olathe Police Chief. "This COPs grant allows us to continue keeping our community safe and to continue building new, meaningful and trusting relationships with those we serve. To help those in crisis, Olathe helped pioneer the use of mental health co-responders serving alongside our police officers. This grant allows us to further enhance that important program."

"Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing society and law enforcement," said Frank Donchez, Overland Park Chief of Police. "This grant funding will enable the City of Overland Park to continue to implement new strategies in our efforts to address the mental health crisis."

Background:

The Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) administers the Community Policing Development (CPD) program. These funds are used to build knowledge about effective practices and outcomes in community policing, and support new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities. Among other programs, including tolerance, diversity, and anti-bias training, the 2021 CPD funding included over $9 million for expansion of crisis intervention teams.

The COPS Office is the federal component of the Department of Justice responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Department of Justice agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation's crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products and training and technical assistance.

Federal funding for this grant was authorized by H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which Davids voted to support in 2020.

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