Visalia is an agricultural city in California that is home to nearly 143,000 people.
The Visalia Police Department (VPD) subscribes to a community oriented policing and problem solving (COPPS) philosophy. In alignment with the COPPS philosophy, VPD looks to expand services to better respond to and connect with those who are in mental health crisis and experience other significant social service needs such as homelessness. Cohort 2022.
Program Goals
Through grant funding, VDP seeks to provide CIT training for first-line supervisors and employ a full-time co-responder clinician. The vision for the clinician role includes coordinating with VPD’s team by directing referrals, providing follow-up, and serving as a liaison to the newly-formed Enhanced Care Management (ECM) initiative. The ECM initiative serves as a multidisciplinary team focused on connecting members of the community experiencing homelessness to various community resources and agencies.
The clinician role supports the department’s goals to:
- Conduct proactive outreach
- Provide a higher level of outreach services
- Reach more clients in need of services