Golden Valley Police: Community & Mental Health Efforts
The Golden Valley Police respond to all kinds of calls, many involving residents’ mental health or personal welfare. Unfortunately officers don’t always have the time or resources to devote to these types of calls.
That’s why the Golden Valley Police Department is making a concerted effort when it comes to residents’ welfare. A few years ago the department added a combined mental health investigator and community health officer position, and more recently has added a community health intern position.
The community health intern is an added resource for police, as well as a great learning opportunity for the intern.
In an effort to help residents with mental health issues specifically, the Golden Valley Police Department is also working with a Hennepin County Social Worker, who is embedded at the county’s dispatch center. The social worker helps to find long-term solutions for people with mental health concerns, so hopefully they won’t have to call 9-1-1 in the future, reducing the number of calls that police need to respond to.
For more information about the Golden Valley Police Department check out the GVPD Window at GoldenValleyMN.gov/police.
