2 days ago
JPD's co-responder unit saves $950K yearly with new approach
JOPLIN, Mo. — The Joplin City Council learns about early successes of a new program at the police department.
It's called the Joplin Police Department Co-Responder Unit or CRU.
The program started back in October.
The goal is to address social and behavioral health concerns, and to separate those dealing with a crisis and those committing an actual crime.
During a work session Monday (6/9), council heard a presentation by Joplin Police Chief, Dr. Richard Pearson and others, regarding the success of the CRU program.
CRU now has three full-time employees, thanks to a partnership with Ozark Center.
It's expected to save at least $950,000 annually, through reduced hospitalizations, decreased jail bookings, and time saved by police officers who can now focus their efforts on issues involving crime.
'If we can keep a person from being homeless, if we can keep that person from being in the emergency room, if we can get that person housed, if we can get that person back up and running and becoming a productive member of society again, instead of that person committing crimes,' said Dr. Pearson.
'You know, two groups of people who can't say no are those who run ERs and those who have a jail. So, it's incredibly important that we're able to show that not only are we doing the right thing and that we can feel good as a community about doing the right thing, but that it's also fiscally responsible,' said Ozark Center Chief Clinical Officer, Del Camp.
The JPD Co-Responder Unit is currently operating on grant funding.
However, following Monday's presentation, council directed city staff to find room in the budget to keep the program operating and growing.
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