Coon Rapids Police Expands Embedded Social Worker Team as 24/7 Crisis Services Remain Available

*TL;DR: Coon Rapids Police now fields two full‑time social workers and a new intern to handle behavioral‑health calls, complementing Anoka County’s round‑the‑clock Mobile Crisis Response and the statewide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Context During Mental Health Awareness Month, the Coon Rapids Police Department highlighted its co‑response model, which pairs officers with licensed mental‑health professionals. The approach reflects a broader Minnesota trend toward integrating social services into public safety to curb crisis escalation.

Key Facts - Two full‑time social workers, Lori Halbur and Jess Hoppe, embed with officers, answering behavioral‑health calls, providing follow‑up, and linking residents to treatment, housing, or substance‑use resources. - In 2025 the program added a mental‑health intern, boosting capacity for outreach and case management. - Residents can meet the social workers without an appointment at the Crooked Lake Library (first Thursday, 3:30‑6:30 p.m.; third Tuesday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.) or, June‑August, at Fire Station 3. - Anoka County operates a 24‑hour Mobile Crisis Response reachable at 763‑755‑3801; teams can be dispatched to homes, schools, or workplaces for immediate stabilization. - Minnesota citizens may call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support any time; veterans can press “1” after dialing 988, and texting “MN” to 741741 connects to the state’s Crisis Text Line. - The county’s Adult Mental Health Intake (763‑324‑1420) offers case management, insurance navigation, and referrals for ongoing care.

What It Means Embedding social workers reduces the likelihood that a mental‑health call ends in arrest or emergency‑room admission. Research from randomized controlled trials of police‑mental‑health co‑response teams shows a 30 % drop in involuntary commitments compared with standard dispatch. The Coon Rapids model adds a preventive layer: monthly “Meet the Social Worker” sessions give residents early access to resources, potentially defusing crises before they require emergency response.

For callers, the layered safety net means three entry points: direct police‑social‑worker assistance, county‑run mobile crisis teams, and the 988 Lifeline. Each operates independently, but all aim to stabilize individuals while steering them toward long‑term treatment.

Looking Ahead Watch for the first-year evaluation of Coon Rapids’ expanded team; data on call outcomes and service utilization will indicate whether the model can be scaled across Minnesota’s other jurisdictions.