Local governments should partner to adopt co-responder and other models that improve outcomes for people with developmental/physical/intellectual disabilities or who are in mental-health crisis during interactions with law enforcement.
EPPD Actions
The Eden Prairie Police Department established a Mental Health Unit, originally called the Crisis Intervention Team, in 2011. This Unit consists of six officers and one sergeant specially trained to help people who are experiencing mental health concerns, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, panic and anxiety disorders, phobias and other mental illnesses. Officers in this Unit are trained on specific crisis intervention techniques that help when responding to a call involving someone who is in mental crisis.
All Eden Prairie Police officers must attend a 40-hour training on crisis intervention techniques and complete regular refresher courses. These skills are part of monthly trainings for officers as well.
Eden Prairie Police officers also receive training on domestic abuse advocacy, and suicide, autism and Parkinson’s disease awareness.
The Eden Prairie Department offers to maintain records for residents who voluntarily submit information about themselves or on behalf of a family member with mental health needs so officers can refer to this information when responding to a call involving that person.
