Title
Navigating Traumatic Incidents
Description
This report provides the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee with an update on the reallocation of civilian positions from the Phoenix Police Department to the Human Services Department to assist community members directly impacted by a Police Department related traumatic incident.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
In a continuing effort to enhance the support provided to community members directly impacted by a Police Department traumatic incident, five civilian positions from the Police Department have been reallocated to the Human Services Department. These positions will comprise a unit titled the Family Advocacy Team. Based at the Family Advocacy Center, this team will provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care and referral services for families, witnesses and other persons directly impacted by traumatic incidents.
Initially, the Family Advocacy Team will focus on providing support for next of kin/family members after police critical incidents defined as: an officer involved shooting resulting in the death or serious injury of a community member, a use of force resulting in death or serious bodily injury requiring hospitalization, all in-custody deaths of those arrested or detained, and any other police encounter at the direction of the Police Chief. Support services include assistance with obtaining mental health services; navigating the investigative process, including obtaining public records; and facilitating communication between families and the Police Department, Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office and other government agencies. Within the next six months, the Family Advocacy Team will add support for the next of kin/family members of vehicular deaths and homicides.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Barton, Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services and Phoenix Police departments.