07/23/2025
OFFICER TAYLOR JOHNSON... GA***RD POLICE DEPARTMENT'S NEW HUMAN SERVICES OFFICER.
The Ga***rd Police Department is proud to announce it has successfully secured funding for a one-year pilot program to establish a Human Services Officer (HSO) position. This groundbreaking initiative will introduce a dedicated plainclothes police officer who will serve as an "in the field" social services coordinator, significantly bridging the gap between community services and urgent community needs.
The HSO will enhance the GPD's ability to coordinate critical services through increased community collaborations, specialized trainings, meetings, and networking. This level of outreach and support is currently unobtainable within existing departmental structures.
A key aspect of the HSO's role will be to expedite the delivery of services through direct, in-person interactions at a client’s home, workplace, school, or emergency scene. The program will also mitigate barriers by enabling the HSO to bring services directly to clients.
Our officers are uniquely positioned through their training and regular interactions with citizens experiencing mental health and/or substance use crises.
The HSO program is expected to have a profound impact on the Ga***rd community in several critical areas:
• Mental Health: The HSO will coordinate short and long-term solutions for individuals experiencing acute or chronic mental health situations, collaborating with Community Mental Health, Munson OMH Emergency Department, and others. This includes assisting with co-occurring issues such as substance use, homelessness, and food instability.
• Substance Use: The program will strengthen relationships with organizations offering enhanced treatment and intervention services. It will also bolster involvement with the RISE Coalition and other substance prevention initiatives.
• Homelessness: The HSO will provide emergency access to shelter and short-term housing solutions, work on long-term solutions for chronically homeless populations, and assist with transportation for individuals stranded away from home.
• Food Instability: The program will ensure 24/7/365 access to emergency food and coordinate food assistance through partnerships with DHHS, United Way, and other community organizations.
• Vulnerable Adults: The HSO will follow up with victims of exploitation to coordinate services and reduce re-victimization.
• Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault: The officer will provide follow-up support to victims, ensure their safety through services from the Women’s Resource Center, offer counseling to aggressors, monitor compliance with court orders, and address needs arising from offender removal.
• At-Risk Children: The HSO will follow up with children impacted by various crises, coordinating services from DHHS, school services, and United Way to maximize positive impact.
• Crisis Management: The HSO will serve as a vital "in the room" link at the Emergency Operations Center during disasters and major incidents, connecting first responders with crucial social services.
The Ga***rd Police Department is optimistic that this one-year pilot program will demonstrate the significant benefits of integrating human services directly within law enforcement operations, leading to a safer and more supported community.
