County council receives briefing on RADAR program from local chiefs

From left: Bothell Police Sgt. John Rogers, Lake Forest Park City Manager Phillip Hill, Bothell Police Chief Carol Cummings, Lake Forest Park Police Chief Steve Sutton, Shoreline Police Chief Shawn Ledford, Shoreline Mayor Will Hall, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, Bothell Master Police Officer Brett Bernard, Bothell City Manager Jennifer Phillips, Kirkland Police Chief Cherie Harris, Kenmore City Manager Rob Karlinsky, Shoreline City Manager Debbie Tarry, and Shoreline Superintendent Rebecca Miner.

On June 6, 2018 the King County Council Committee of the Whole received a briefing from Shoreline Mayor Will Hall, Shoreline Police Chief Shawn Ledford, Bothell Police Chief Carol Cummings, and Lake Forest Park Police Chief Steve Sutton regarding the RADAR program.

The briefing was requested by County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, who has been impressed with the success of this innovative program in his council district.

RADAR creates a specially trained unit within the local police department that partners police with mental health professionals. Depending on the situation, both police and mental health professional may respond to a call.

With the help of family, police identify community members with behavioral health issues who might come in contact with them. They learn how to de-escalate situations with the particular individual and what services they may need.

See previous article: New RADAR program helps Shoreline PD understand Behavioral Health Issues

As seen in the attached photo, there was great representation from North End leaders there to support the amazing work being accomplished by the RADAR program.