Discussion on Police Department Embedded Social Worker Pilot Program

The police department is considering an application to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, for grant funding to implement an Embedded Social Worker Pilot Program.

Communities throughout Minnesota are experiencing a growing service gap when responding to residents facing mental health challenges, chemical dependency issues, and housing instability. Law enforcement officers are increasingly called upon to respond to situations that require specialized behavioral health intervention and long-term service coordination beyond traditional public safety functions. While officers consistently demonstrate professionalism and compassion, it is clear that additional tools and partnerships are necessary to achieve the best outcomes for individuals and families in crisis.

The proposed pilot program represents a proactive and collaborative solution. By embedding a licensed social worker within the police department’s operational framework, the police department will enhance its ability to provide immediate crisis response support, proactive follow-up with high-frequency service utilizers, and meaningful connection to community-based treatment and housing resources. This model reflects evidence-informed best practices that aim to reduce repeat calls for service, improve public safety efficiency, and, most importantly, ensure that vulnerable individuals receive appropriate care.

This initiative is not about replacing law enforcement; rather, it strengthens public safety by aligning the right professional response to the right situation. It also reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars by focusing on prevention, diversion when appropriate, and long-term stabilization instead of repeated emergency intervention.

This co-responder model is increasingly being adopted by communities across Minnesota and the nation as a recognized best practice for addressing complex behavioral health and social service needs. The police department seeks to advance this proven approach locally to better serve residents in crisis and strengthen overall public safety outcomes.

Attached to this case are statistics from calls for service in 2025.
 

The informational session for this grant was held on February 18, 2026. The grant is due on March 16, 2026. The grant period is anticipated to be approximately 23–24 months, beginning on or around August 1, 2026, and ending on June 30, 2028.

Due to the short timeline, if there is City Council support to pursue this grant, there is a case on tonight's regular council meeting consent agenda to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Administrator to sign the grant agreement and the Mayor to sign a letter of support on behalf of the council. If the City Council does not wish to proceed with this grant, a motion should be made to remove it from the agenda.

A total of up to $7,538,726.21 is available for the 24-month grant period from the Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Office of Justice Programs. The maximum amount an applicant can propose is $300,000 for the grant period. Applicants may propose less than the $300,000 cap. Award decisions will consider geographic diversity and the area served's population in grant distribution, based on grant applications received. Final award amounts may be lower than requested.

The grant ends on June 30, 2028, and if the pilot program is successful, it will need funding to continue providing these services.

Staff requests city council input.

Seeking City Council direction by consensus.