Coon Rapids Police Department To Hire Second Social Worker

Coon Rapids Police Department To Hire Second Social Worker

State Grant Enables Coon Rapids Police Department to Expand Mental Health Crisis Response Team

Coon Rapids, MN – The Coon Rapids Police Department will soon expand its mental health crisis response capabilities, thanks to a state grant of $199,180.80 from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs. The Coon Rapids City Council formally approved the grant agreement during its meeting on February 4, 2025.

The funding will allow the department to hire a second social worker/mental health professional, bolstering its efforts to provide effective crisis intervention and support to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. The grant period runs from March 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, giving the department over a year to expand and refine its mental health services.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance community-based crisis response, reduce reliance on traditional law enforcement in mental health situations, and connect individuals with appropriate resources and care. The Coon Rapids Police Department’s first embedded social worker has already played a vital role in assisting officers on calls involving mental health crises, substance use, and homelessness, helping divert individuals from the criminal justice system to supportive services instead.

With the addition of a second mental health professional, the department aims to increase coverage, improve response times, and provide more proactive outreach to residents in need. The funding will help cover salary and operational expenses, ensuring that trained professionals are available to respond alongside officers to de-escalate situations and guide individuals toward mental health and social services.

Local officials and law enforcement leaders have praised the expansion, recognizing the growing demand for mental health crisis response services in the community. The Coon Rapids Police Department will provide updates on the program’s progress and effectiveness over the grant period.

SOURCE: Coon Rapids Police Department