Iowa City Police Department introduces Crisis Co-Responder team

The Iowa City Police Department (ICPD) has officially launched its first Crisis Co-Responder team, which aims to enhance the community's response to mental health crises. The team consists of Officer Kristie Davis and CommUnity Crisis Services Mental Health Liaison Kelsie Tomlin, who will work collaboratively to respond to crisis calls and provide follow-up services. This initiative builds upon a successful partnership that began in February 2021, where mental health liaisons were embedded within the department to improve service delivery. Officer Davis, who has been with the department since 2015, specializes in victim and trauma-informed responses and is involved in various support teams. Meanwhile, Tomlin has extensive experience in crisis services and previously led a mental health liaison program in Wapello County.

Chief Dustin Liston highlighted the positive impact of the mental health liaison position and expressed his enthusiasm for the co-responder model. This team is designed to proactively engage with individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources. The establishment of the Crisis Co-Responder team marks a significant step forward in the ICPD's commitment to community mental health.