KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, which already handles police, fire and medical emergencies, will be further expanding their efforts into social service in 2023.
Acting KDPS Chief Dave Boysen says they are setting up an office downtown for their Community Service team to bring in the appropriate community agencies, when a resident in crisis needs more than just a police response.
“It will get them more long term solutions to their problem, not just a temporary fix,” said Boyson who noted that the team will includes a Sergeant, a Public Safety Officer and their Social Services advocate.
“Because we know who is calling 9-1-1. We know who we are responding to, and many times, it’s the same individuals that these organizations are dealing with individually, so how can we leverage all these community resources to work together,” said Boyson.
They’ll also be working with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, the County’s Mental Health agency.
ISK has just received Covid money to set up a 24-hour immediate care facility for mental health emergencies that could be up and running by mid-year.
Reporting by: John McNeill
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