The Lincoln Police Department is joining the effort to get those struggling with substance abuse issues, mental health issues, and homelessness the help they need.
On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Chief Joe Meister told the Hart Media Group that after over a year of planning, the TASK Deflection Program launched this past Tuesday. He says it gives officers the ability to find someone help, rather than their previous options of making an arrest or doing nothing.
As the department was planning how TASK Deflection would look in Lincoln, the Chief notes that one of the challenges they faced was defining who qualifies for a referral. A unique aspect of the program in Lincoln is the Officer Intervention Pathway, which can help stop someone from receiving a minor charge that would stay with them forever.
Chief Meister says that the planning process for this program opened his eyes to the number of services that can be utilized locally. From medical centers and recovery programs to faith groups, he was blown away by the community support.
While this program was launched just this week, Meister has seen a lot of success already. He adds that Deflection Specialist Tristan McGrew has already been hard at work in outreach efforts with their early referrals.
If you or a loved one could benefit from the TASK Deflection program, you can call the Lincoln Police non-emergency number, visit the department in person, or find the Lincoln Police Department or Logan, Mason, Menard BRIDGE Program on Facebook.
