The Iowa Police Chiefs Association held their annual awards banquet on May 25, 2023 in Coralville. The Marshalltown Police and Community Team (MPACT) was recognized with the 2022 Leadership in Victim Services award!
MPACT is an intervention program providing service within the city of Marshalltown. The service is a collaboration between the Marshalltown Police Department and YSS of Marshall County. MPACT has been in operation since January of 2021. MPACT’s Community Advocates are contacted when a non-emergent, non-criminal, police call comes in involving mental illness, family conflict, substance abuse, or emotional/behavioral situations. While MPACT Advocates are dispatched through the Marshalltown Police Department, they are a mobile crisis unit, not law enforcement.
MPACT Community Advocates help resolve mental and behavioral health calls by connecting individuals and families to community social services in cases when law enforcement intervention is not required. The program expects to reduce unnecessary arrests, prevent and deter (re)entry into the criminal justice system, improve call outcomes, and build positive community relationships with the Marshalltown Police Department. MPACT is still evolving as a community resource but has proven successful.
This recognition belongs to everyone in Marshalltown! This program does not exist without community support, collaboration, and the willingness to innovate. Thank you for your support!
AUTHORITY: Michael W. Tupper, Chief of Police (mtupper@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5771)