Omaha Police Department expands mental health crisis team with new funded position

During the Omaha City Council meeting on June 3, 2025, a significant focus was placed on enhancing community safety through the establishment of a dedicated threat assessment team and the expansion of mental health crisis response services. These initiatives aim to address growing concerns about public safety and mental health in the community.

Lieutenant Alta from the Omaha Police Department highlighted the need for a full-time position within the adult threat assessment team. This role is intended to improve the department's ability to manage potential threats by coordinating with community partners and ensuring timely follow-ups on cases. The lieutenant emphasized that having someone dedicated to this task would help mitigate risks and enhance the overall safety of the community.

In addition to the threat assessment team, the council discussed the approval of a grant that would fund a new mental health crisis co-responder position within the Omaha Police Department. This position is part of a broader effort to integrate mental health support into law enforcement, allowing officers to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate resources rather than resorting to incarceration. Currently, the department has six mental health co-responders, and this new role would bring the total to seven.

Council members expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing the importance of mental health resources in preventing crises and reducing the burden on the local correctional system, which has been described as the largest mental health facility in the state. The discussions underscored a commitment to proactive measures that prioritize community well-being and safety.

The meeting also included a call for increased funding and staffing for mental health crisis responders, with some council members advocating for a model that would provide coverage for every shift in each precinct. This reflects a growing recognition of the critical role mental health services play in public safety and community health.

As the council moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on building a comprehensive approach to public safety that includes mental health support, ensuring that Omaha is better equipped to handle potential threats and support its residents in times of crisis.