Riley County Community Corrections will be partnering up with Pawnee Mental Health Services to help train the Riley County Police Department concerning mental health issues.
Brett Brunning, the care coordinator in conjunction with Community Corrections and Pawnee Mental Health, said he plans to have training sessions later in the month to help educate jailers and police officers about how to deal with citizens suffering from mental health problems.
Brunning said the RCPD was proactive in approaching him about the training and there is discussion of mental health care professionals aiding officers in responding to clients needing help.
“The crisis team for Pawnee can actually go with police officers to certain clients homes if they’re struggling with whatever mental health issue,” Brunning said. “So, that’s kind of the newest thing we’re working on now.”
Brunning also said the partnership is important considering Osawatomie State Hospital has decreased its ability to care its clients, and because of that, more people suffering mental health issues will be among the general public.
In other items, Budget and Finance Officer Johnette Shepek presented the 2016 Riley County budget brochure, which is available at county offices and on the county website.
The brochure breaks down county expenses and the mill levy.
The 2016 budget includes:
- $3.7 Million Capital Improvement Budget
- Continuation of $9.8 Million in Road & Bridge
Projects from the 2012 Voter-approved 1/2 Cent
Sales Tax - $3.8 Million Riley County Health Department Budget
- $1.5 Million in Appropriations to Various Agencies to Provide Services to the Citizens of Riley County
- 7.4 Million in Public Safety Expenditures for Emergency Management Services(Ambulance), Riley County Police Department, Riley County Fire District #1, Emergency Management.
