Redmond Police Department staff joined other agency first responders and behavioral health specialists for the 4th Annual National Co-responder Conference in Spokane, WA, this week. The conference focuses on improving outcomes for people in crisis through co-responder programs.
Police Chief Darrell Lowe, Sergeant Jamie Ford, and Mental Health Professional (MHP) Susie Kroll attended the conference. Through the Redmond police co-responder program, MHP Kroll co-responds with specially trained patrol officers to resolve crisis calls for service that involve persons with mental illness, behavioral health crises, and emotionally charged situations.
Kroll and Ford presented three case studies of successful outcomes involving individuals in crises at the conference and their co-response perspectives.
In early June, MHP Kroll, Sgt. Ford, and Corporal Dan Smith received the Outstanding Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Team of the Year Award from the Northwest Regional Intervention Team program for their dedication and commitment to helping community members experiencing a mental health crisis.
The CIT model is a community effort that brings first responders, behavioral health specialists, and community members together for the common goals of safety, understanding, and resources for the mentally ill and their families.
The three were selected for the award from the CIT teams in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon and recognized for their lifesaving efforts in two incidents in 2022.
“I am very proud of the Redmond Police personnel who were recognized for their responsive and important work in providing safe alternative responses to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Chief Lowe.
In 2022, MHP Kroll made 1,076 contacts and co-responded to 344 calls with officers.
Media Contact:
Jill Green, Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627