In November of 2021, Sheriff William Redman formed the St. Joseph County Police Department’s Crisis Service Unit (CSU).
The CSU is an extension of Sheriff Redman’s hallmark creation of the Mental Health Liaison Officer position in January of 2020. This multidisciplinary team consists of two sworn law enforcement officers and two social workers, each possessing specialty knowledge and experience.
The CSU is committed to providing trauma‐informed, victim‐centered, culturally appropriate crisis intervention, criminal justice support, referrals to community services, and advocacy to those impacted by mental health challenges, substance use disorder, domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking. Personnel also ensure the availability of consistent and comprehensive information to clients regarding the constitutional and statutory rights of crime victims and build relationships with community members, colleagues, and other professionals in such a way as to promote mutual respect and public confidence.
The CSU has also been instrumental in developing and delivering trauma-informed training opportunities within the department and collaborates regularly with local mental health practitioners and neuroscience interns to support this endeavor.
SERVICES
Community members who reside in the St. Joseph County Police Department jurisdiction may receive services form the CSU.
We are currently unable to serve residents in other jurisdictions. If you reside in another law enforcement jurisdiction, please refer to the additional resources we have listed below. If you are in crisis due to mental health challenges, substance use disorder, domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and stalking, you MAY be able to access the following services:
Safety: Assistance with safety concerns and avoiding re-victimization. This may look like assistance with temporary shelter, transportation, cellular phones, emergency lock changes, referrals for medical care, referrals for mental health treatment, and information about protective order options.
Support: Emotional support during the initial crisis and referrals to services that promote safety and over-all well-being. Additional support may be provided through the provision of basic and/or financial needs such as food, gas/fuel, hygiene items, clothing, and baby items.
Information: Concise, correct, and useful information about rights, the criminal justice system processes, and available community resources.
Additional Resources
Memorial Epworth
Memorial Epworth Center and Epworth Hospital make up the inpatient psychiatric care division of Memorial Hospital. They provide care for individuals 13 years of age and older. Care includes the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and others.
Oaklawn
Oaklawn provides mental health and addiction treatment for children, adolescents and adults in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. For immediate assistance with Opioid Treatment a Quick Response Team that can be reached 24/7 at (574) 537-2700. For assistance with an urgent mental health need, the Oaklawn Mobile Crisis Response Team can be reached at 574.283.1234 (press *1).
Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County
The Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County (FJC) serves as a one-stop help center for victims of domestic/family violence, sexual assault and stalking. The FJC is staffed by advocates that work collaboratively with other non-profit and governmental agencies to help victims and their families quickly and confidentially seek information, and easily access resources to help them escape the cycle of violence and move toward healing.
YWCA North Central Indiana
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. With service sites in St. Joseph & Elkhart Counties, the YWCA provides economic empowerment programs as well as residential and non-residential services for women who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or struggling with chemical dependency.
Domestic Violence Hotline
The Domestic Violence Hotline offers free services that are available 24/7. Callers have identified as survivors of abuse, some as concerned friends or family members, some as abusive partners seeking to change themselves. Hotline advocates listen to callers without judgement and help address concerns and safety.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. The Trafficking Hotline also receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. This hotline is available 24/7.
ITVAP (Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program)
ITVAP works with services providers across the state to provide case coordination of comprehensive services to victims (24 and under) of trafficking or sexual exploitation. ITVAP provides training and outreach, network building, victim service provision reimbursement, case coordination and management, and referrals to service providers.
ICESAHT (Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking)
ICESAHT is a nationally recognized leader in shifting culture, supporting survivors, and strengthening communities to prevent and end sexual assault and human trafficking.
