In 2024, the St. Louis Park Police Department launched its behavioral health unit (BHU) to help address the increase in calls for service and incidents in the community related to mental health.

The unit includes two patrol-based officers, Officer Erin Nordrum and Officer Don Lewis, and an on-site social worker from Hennepin County, Leidy Cortez-Arrington. Working together out of the same office, they dedicate their time to behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse incidents in the community.

The goal of the BHU is to connect individuals to the right resources and get them a case manager within three days of the initial reported contact. Regular check-ins are also scheduled throughout the process in hopes of preventing recurrences.

By working with the community to achieve better outcomes, the unit aims to reduce the number of behavioral health-related calls and better serve the community as a whole.

Contact

If you have questions about the BHU, contact slpbhu@stlouisparkmn.gov or call 952.924.2119.