Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to receive updates on two key areas: the state's 988 mental health crisis program and the Norman Police Department's reorganization plan. The 988 program update detailed current mobile crisis responses, iPad distribution to law enforcement, and upcoming transportation contracts. The NPD presented its new community outreach division, discussed staffing challenges, rising crime rates, and the impact of the homeless population, requesting nine additional police positions.
Upcoming Community Events
National Night Out
At the mall
Financial Matters
Cost of 9 additional police positions
Estimated cost including salary (low 50s starting) and benefits for 9 requested police positions.
PSST debt service payment
Annual debt service payment from the PSST fund, expected to be paid in full by 2027.
ADA-equipped vehicle for homeless outreach
Cost estimate for a vehicle equipped to address ADA issues for homeless community members, to be acquired with funds set aside by the city council.
Oklahoma City police signing bonus
Signing bonus offered by Oklahoma City for police recruits, making recruitment competitive.
Coming Up
Tabled
- Gibbs House opening as a day center with services, aiming for early January-ish
Deadlines
- 988 RFP goal for October
- Third-party transportation contracts active after November 1st
- Full 988 national rollout in July 2022
- Earliest new police bodies available by July 2022
Watch For
- Council decision on potentially stationing a 988 dispatcher in the new Emergency Operations Center
- Further discussion on operating a city-funded van for homeless transport
- Consideration of adding nine police positions to the Norman Police Department
Announcements
- National Night Out is on Monday at the mall.
Agenda Summary
Update from the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on the 988 program
Mr. Dismukes provided an update on the 988 mental health crisis program, including current mobile crisis response numbers, iPad distribution to law enforcement (with a note on Norman PD's configuration delay), and the upcoming release of the 988 RFP and statewide mobile crisis RFP. He also mentioned transportation contracts going active after November 1st and the July 2022 national rollout of the 988 number.
Presentation on the reorganization of the Norman Police Department
Chief Foster and Captain Clement presented the NPD's reorganization, moving the uniform support division to a new Community and Staff Services Bureau, creating a Community Outreach Division. They discussed staffing challenges, increased crime rates (Part One crimes up 11%, aggravated assaults up 19%, larcenies up 11%, stolen cars up 50%), and the impact of the homeless population on calls for service. They emphasized focusing on criminal behavior within the homeless population and requested nine additional police positions.