Waxahachie is the county seat of Ellis County, Texas and has a population of 41,140. The city was founded in 1850. Waxahachie is an attractive tourist attraction, bringing in thousands of visitors yearly, due to the historic homes and buildings and proximity to the Metroplex.
The Waxahachie Police Department will use the FY24 PACT funding to implement an enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model aimed at addressing the multifaceted and unique needs of individuals experiencing crisis involving mental/behavioral health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. The purpose of this enhanced CIT model is twofold: to provide immediate support and connection to resources for citizens in crisis and minimize calls for service involving these issues in which law enforcement resources may become overutilized. Key activities will include trained professionals employing evidenced based techniques to conduct a rapid team response, post crisis support and intervention including needs assessments, de-escalation, resource connection, and facilitating timely referrals to a network of community resources offering ongoing specialized care including mental health facilities, treatment centers, and domestic violence shelters. Additional key activities will consist of close collaboration with community agencies and stakeholders to coordinate efforts and maximize the effectiveness of crisis intervention services through engaging in community education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness, promote safety, wellness, and resilience, for all community members with the ultimate goal of preventing crisis before they occur. Cohort 2024.
Program Goals
- Implement an enhanced Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model to address the unique needs of individuals in crisis involving mental/behavioral health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness.
- Provide immediate support and connection to resources for citizens in crisis minimize calls for service related to these issues that overutilize law enforcement resources.
- Employ evidence-based techniques to conduct a rapid team response to provide post-crisis support and intervention, including needs assessments and de-escalation and Connect individuals to resources and facilitate timely referrals to a network of community services.
- Collaborate with community agencies and stakeholders to coordinate crisis intervention efforts to maximize the effectiveness of crisis intervention services by engaging in community education and outreach initiatives to raise awareness.
- Promote safety, wellness, and resilience for all community members with the ultimate goal of preventing crisis before they occur.
Learn More
With new mental health focus, Waxahachie PD creates crisis response specialist position