2012 2:00:00 PM

Monday, February 13, 2012 2:00 PM
Sparks Council Chambers

Consent Items: 5.6

Title: Consideration and possible approval of an Intrastate Interlocal Contract between the State of Nevada Acting By and Through Its Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS), Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS)and the City of Sparks, Police Department for the Mobile Outreach and Safety Team (MOST).

Petitioner/Presenter: Steve Keefer, Chief of Police/Same

Recommendation: Approve the Intrastate Interlocal Contract between the State of Nevada Acting By and Through Its Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS), Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS) and the City of Sparks, Police Department for the "MOST" Program..

Financial Impact: None

Business Impact (Per NRS 237):
A Business Impact Statement is not required because this is not a rule.

Agenda Item Brief: The Sparks Police Department would like to formally partner with Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services through the Mobile Outreach and Safety Team to provide a service to the citizens of Sparks who have meantal health issues or are in crisis.

Background: The Sparks Police Department wishes to partner with employees of the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services to bring the opportunity for recovery to those who suffer from mental illness. The program is called the MOST team (Mobile Outreach & Safety Team). The MOST team has been partnering with the Reno Police Department since 2009. During that time they have helped a large number of individuals get in contact with mental health professionals. This partnership has led to successful relationship with RPD and the MOST team. In calendar year 2011, 721 contacts were made by the MOST team. We intend to have a MOST team member (there are two) ride along with Sparks officers on a scheduled basis, perhaps one to two days per week. The duties of a MOST team member include: assessment and initiating a legal hold if necessary; providing basic referral services; follow-up on clients who need more than one contact; outreach to those that are not engaged with mental health services; collecting and compiling data; educating the community on the benefits of MOST. While working with Sparks Police officers, MOST members are essentially a civilian ride along, and they operate under their own policies and procedures. The contract has been reviewed by Senior Assistant City Attorney Shirle Eiting, and no issues were noted. We will implement the service as soon as the contract is approved by the City Council.

Analysis: The Sparks Police Department, by contracting and working with the MOST team, believes it can have a positive impact on several fronts. First, we believe that we can more effectively deal with persons with mental health issues. This benefits both the Department and the individual. Second, the Department believes that by more effectively dealing with persons with mental health issues, it can reduce its calls for service. This would enable officers to eventually spend more time in other areas. Third, the Department believes that this partnership will add value to its relationship with the community by providing better service to its citizens. There is no financial cost to the City, as the MOST members are State employees who are assigned to this unit.

Alternatives: The council may deny the Interlocal Agreement.

Recommended Motion: I move to approve the Intrastate Interlocal Contract between the State of Nevada Acting By and Through Its Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS),Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services (MHDS), Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS)and the City of Sparks, Police Department for the "MOST" program.

Attached Files:

Sparks Police Department Attachment A 2012-2015.doc

Sparks Police Department Attachment B 2012-2015 (2).doc

Sparks Police Department Intra-Interlocal contract 2012-2015.pdf

Sparks Police Department Attachment A 2012-2015.pdf

Sparks Police Department Attachment B 2012-2015 (2).pdf

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