On September 26 and 27, law enforcement professionals and social workers came together in Fergus Falls for a comprehensive Coordinated Response Training to enhance collaborative efforts between the two fields. The event was made possible by the Medica County Innovation Fund. Marie Ridgeway, a renowned Trauma Treatment Specialist and Police Therapist, conducted the training. Along with her team, she provides therapeutic and wellness services to over 50 public safety agencies across Minnesota.

With over 17 years of experience in crisis management, child protection, and private practice, Ridgeway shared her expertise with regional professionals, helping foster partnerships between law enforcement and social workers. The two-day training sessions sponsored by Otter Tail County focused on topics related to building successful police and social work partnerships, including the development of Co-Response and/or Coordinated Response programs.  

According to Fergus Falls Police Lieutenant Conor West, who participated in the training, “Co-response teams have proven to reduce recidivism rates. By working together, police and social workers can address the root causes of crises more effectively, leading to better outcomes for individuals and communities.”

Participants gained an understanding of the distinct roles of police officers and social workers as co-responders, explored use-of-force considerations, and utilized the services of a professional actor to engage in realistic, scenario-based training on supporting an individual in a mental health crisis. The training provided insights into starting and developing co-response teams, providing participants with a guidebook with sample documents, processes, and a detailed task list.

Additionally, safety strategies for social workers and law enforcement officers were covered. Key legal issues relevant to the operation of co-response units were also addressed.

“This training is critical for improving public safety response by incorporating mental health workers like me into crisis situations,” commented Liz Bakken, Coordinated Response Social Worker. “By fostering partnerships between police officers and social workers, our residents will benefit from more compassionate and comprehensive support strategies following a crisis.”

In January of this year, Otter Tail County Human Services, the Fergus Falls Police Department, and the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office launched a Coordinated Response program. This initiative was designed to coordinate efforts across these agencies to address increased law enforcement involvement in mental health-related calls that may be best supported through services and programs offered by Otter Tail County.