Public Safety Task Force Meeting 7/29

The Cass County Public Safety Task Force convened on July 29, 2026, to discuss priorities related to behavioral health crisis response and public safety improvements. Key procurement-related discussions focused on reestablishing the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program, including funding needs for tuition and travel estimated at around $2,500 for initial training and additional costs for recertification. The task force agreed to identify core team members from various agencies to coordinate the CIT program and committed to funding at least initial train-the-trainer sessions. They also discussed exploring funding and operational support for a 24-hour crisis stabilization drop-in center, with plans to solicit formal recommendations and presentations from relevant service providers. Additionally, the group reviewed opportunities to improve navigation of existing behavioral health services and considered applying for a grant from the Council of State Governments Justice Center to support these initiatives. Future meetings will focus on legislative funding priorities and strategies to measure success of implemented programs. No formal votes on contracts or budget allocations were recorded, but commitments to fund CIT training and pursue grant funding were emphasized.