TPD unveils new Outreach Vehicle

The Topeka Police Department now has a new Outreach Vehicle.

The Outreach Vehicle will follow the idea of paramedicine, which is the unique intersection of health care, public health and public safety.

This vehicle and the idea of paramedicine will provide resources from our continued partnership with Stormont Vail Healthcare, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, the Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries and the Topeka Fire Department.

“This Outreach Vehicle will provide the ability for all partners involved to provide services as a team to the at-risk population of Topeka and Shawnee County,” said Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran. “We hope that this vehicle will reduce the number of 9-1-1 calls, ER visits and provide the community with resources like never before.”

Beginning in June, the Outreach Vehicle will be manned with a team at least once every week. The team will have a Crisis Intervention Team Officer from TPD, a paramedic from TFD, a mental health specialist from Valeo and a homeless outreach specialist from TRM.

“The Outreach Vehicle is truly one of a kind,” said Chief Bill Cochran.

Donations from the Stormont Vail Foundation and Kansas Gas Service, a division of ONE Gas, allowed for the purchase of the vehicle and the equipment inside the vehicle. The Citizens Academy Ambassadors were an integral part of facilitating the success of this project.

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