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Police Chief Bluml also discussed potential funding sources with Anoka County. He noted that <br />some communities are using opioid settlement funds to support these positions. However, Ramsey <br />did not qualify for that funding because the City’s population is below 30,000 residents. He said <br />the County did receive funding and discussions have begun about possible partnerships, though <br />nothing has been finalized. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml explained that the program would not necessarily involve a co-responder riding <br />with officers on calls. Instead, many agencies have found success with what they call “wraparound <br />services,” in which the mental health professional follows up with individuals after a crisis call to <br />ensure they receive appropriate services and support. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml emphasized that officers currently do an excellent job responding to mental <br />health calls, even though they are not specifically trained for that type of work. He said having a <br />trained professional available to follow up with individuals, coordinate with healthcare providers, <br />and connect people to resources could significantly benefit both residents and police officers. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml clarified that creating this position would not replace the need for police <br />officers. He noted that law enforcement still faces other challenges, including violent crime and <br />gang activity, which require traditional policing resources. He stated that the position should not <br />be viewed as a substitute for hiring officers in the future. <br /> <br />Police Chief Bluml concluded by explaining that the grant would fund the position for two years. <br />However, he emphasized that if the program proves successful, the City Council would eventually <br />need to consider whether to continue funding the position after the grant expires. He said the grant <br />application requires authorization from the City Administrator to sign on behalf of the City, and <br />he is seeking the City Council’s direction and support for that request. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher stated that she believes the grant opportunity is a very positive <br />opportunity for the City. She said she was excited when she first saw the proposal and had <br />previously discussed similar ideas before joining the City Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher explained that she believes mental health plays a significant role in many <br />situations handled by law enforcement. She noted that other police departments have implemented <br />similar programs and have seen successful outcomes. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher added that although the City does not yet know how the position might <br />be funded after the two-year grant period, the grant would effectively provide a two-year trial <br />period to evaluate the program. She said this would allow the City to determine whether the <br />position positively impacts the community before making any long-term funding decisions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Buscher concluded by stating that she strongly supports the proposal and thanked <br />Police Chief Bluml for bringing the opportunity forward to the City Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Stewart asked for clarification about the role of the proposed mental health <br />professional. She questioned what specific responsibilities the position would have if the <br />individual did not respond directly to emergency calls. <br />City Council Work Session / March 10, 2026 <br />Page 16 of 21 <br />