626.8441 Responding to calls involving emotional crises 
  and mental illness; model program pilot projects. 

    Subdivision 1.    Model policing program.  The 
 commissioner of public safety, in consultation with the 
 community mental health peace officer advisory board named under 
 subdivision 2, may award grants to (1) develop models of 
 community policing that are responsive to the unique needs of 
 the law enforcement and mental health systems in Minnesota, and 
 (2) promote these models throughout the state.  Grants may be 
 awarded to either existing or new projects.  The commissioner 
 may approve the implementation of community policing pilot 
 projects in metropolitan and rural areas.  In order to receive 
 funding, a pilot project must focus on the following: 

    (1) responding in a knowledgeable and sensitive way to 
 persons exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, to persons having 
 drug-related reactions, and to others who may be in an emotional 
 or mental crisis; 

    (2) significantly reducing the risk of harm to the 
 individuals who are the subjects of such calls, to the officers 
 responding to the calls, and to the general public; 

    (3) identifying and implementing a continuum of 
 intervention strategies that will prevent escalation, produce 
 de-escalation, and minimize the use of force; and 

    (4) creating partnerships with community resources that 
 result in positive resolution, reduction, and prevention of 
 potentially harmful incidents. 

    Subd. 2.    Community mental health peace officer advisory 
 board.  A community mental health peace officer advisory board 
 must be appointed by the commissioner of public safety and must 
 consist of the following members: 

    (1) two licensed peace officers; 

    (2) two representatives from the association of chiefs of 
 police; 

    (3) two representatives from the Minnesota state sheriff's 
 association; 

    (4) a representative from the mental health consumer 
 survivor network; 

    (5) a representative from the mental health association of 
 Minnesota; 

    (6) a representative from the alliance for the mentally 
 ill; 

    (7) a representative from a county social services agency 
 or human services board as defined in section 256E.03; 

    (8) a community mental health provider; 

    (9) a mental health professional; 

    (10) a law enforcement educator with experience training 
 peace officers to respond to mental illness calls; and 

    (11) other members deemed appropriate by the commissioner. 

    In making appointments to the board, the commissioner must 
 take into consideration metropolitan and rural interests.  The 
 board must advise the commissioner on the model policing 
 programs and on related areas of concern to persons with mental 
 illnesses, peace officers, and the public.  No per diem may be 
 paid to members of the board.  The board expires June 30, 2003. 

    HIST: 1Sp2001 c 8 art 5 s 15