Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

COORDINATED RESPONSE

By Amber Barnes, Scott County Health & Human Services Supervisor

The Shakopee Police Department’s Coordinated Response Program was launched in 2023 to help bridge the mental health service gap and create a streamlined partnership between Scott County Social Services and law enforcement. As we entered our second year of programming, our partnerships remain ongoing among Scott County Social Services, the Sheriff’s Office, Savage Police Department, and Shakopee Police Department. This program utilizes social workers who are trained in engagement, de-escalation, and resource connection. Following a referral from law enforcement, the social worker provides outreach and engagement to those who are residing in the Scott County Jail or who have been involved in a police

call in the designated partner areas. The goal of this work is to resolve crises in the community, connect residents with available services and resources, and to build meaningful relationships between law enforcement and underserved communities. In 2024, Coordinated Response received 973 referrals from our three law enforcement partners, and we were able to connect and serve 720 individuals, affording us a 74% engagement rate. The Scott County Jail Coordinated Responder engaged with an additional 320 inmates. As the mental health crisis continues to affect our communities, we look forward to another year of Coordinated Response being able to provide advocacy, education, and improved outcomes for individuals in crisis in Scott County.

Coordinated Responder Jamison Ottum (left) and Sergeant Josh Davis discuss a case.

individuals we connected with and served 720 engagement rate 74% In 2024, the Coordinated Response Program had:

referrals from our three law enforcement partners 973

inmates were engaged by the Scott County Jail Coordinated Responder 320

20 | Shakopee Police Department