On October 6, 2021, the United States Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) announced 185 grant awards totaling more than $33 million in funding to advance the practice of community policing in law enforcement. Community Policing Development (CPD) program funds are used to develop the capacity of law enforcement to implement community policing by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.
The City of Marshalltown and the Marshalltown Police Department will receive $206,640.00 to assist in funding the Marshalltown Police and Community Team (MPACT). Marshalltown is one of only two communities in Iowa to receive funding from the CPD program. The Marshalltown Police Department and YSS of Marshall County implemented MPACT as a pilot project beginning in January of 2021. MPACT is an intervention program providing service within the City of Marshalltown. MPACT’s community advocates are highly trained human service providers who are embedded within the Marshalltown Police Department. MPACT advocates assist the police department in handling incidents involving mental illness, family conflict, substance abuse problems, or emotional/behavioral situations. MPACT has proven to be an effective resource and is assisting law enforcement by diverting people from the criminal justice system. MPACT advocates are important resources for police when responding to crisis incidents or other incidents that do not necessarily require law enforcement intervention. These federal funds will assist MPACT in continuing this critically important service beyond the initial twelve month pilot project schedule.
MPACT is just another example of innovative community outreach within the City of Marshalltown. This grant award will allow the city more time to study this program while also enhancing public safety in our community. MPACT is a bridge to a healthier Marshalltown and is proving to be a model program that highlights how a multi-disciplinary approach to complex social issues can result in better outcomes for community members. Through programs like MPACT, we can build a better Marshalltown for all who call Marshalltown home.
For more information, please contact:
Chief of Police Michael W. Tupper by calling 641.754.5771 or via email at mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov
David Hicks, YSS of Marshall County by calling 641.752.2300 or via email at dhicks@yss.org.