Our Services

The Jeffersontown Police Department’s REACH Unit offers comprehensive support to promote safety, healing, justice, and rights for victims and survivors of crime in the City of Jeffersontown.

Victim Services include:

Comprehensive Support: The REACH Unit of the Jeffersontown Police Department offers tailored support to victims and survivors of crime, focusing on safety, healing, justice, and rights.

Victim-Centered Approach: Utilizing a trauma-informed approach, the program provides compassionate and nonjudgmental support to individuals navigating the aftermath of crime,

Targeted Assistance: Victim Services caters to various groups including people who have experienced: human trafficking, domestic violence, survivors of homicide, child abuse, assault, sexual assault, stalking and elder abuse.

Information and Advocacy:Services include assistance with case updates, navigating the criminal justice system, understanding victim rights, and registering with Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) for timely updates.

Planning and Assistance: Victim Services offers safety planning, transportation assistance, help with victim impact statements, guidance on protective orders, and assistance with applications for Crime Victim Compensation.

Court Accompaniment: Personnel can accompany victims to court proceedings, providing emotional support, and advocacy.

Referral Network: REACH personnel provide referrals to emergency services, counseling and mental health services, legal services, substance abuse services, healthcare, language interpreting services, and veterans’ services, ensuring victims have access to necessary resources for recovery.

Our law enforcement officers, telecommunicators, and REACH Personnel are trained to identify individuals struggling with substance use and misuse who encounter the criminal justice system, and we seek to offer immediate assistance to deflect them from justice involvement by connecting them to treatment and supportive services.

·         Angel Program Walk-In Model: Any person who enters the Department and requests help with their substance use disorder will be immediately screened into our Angel Program for placement in treatment services that meets their eligibility, needs, and preferences with the assistance of Officers and civilian social workers. Officers will dispose of any drugs or drug equipment in the participant’s possession and not charge them with a crime.  

·         Police Deflection: Law enforcement officers are trained to identify individuals with substance use disorders who encounter the criminal justice system. When possible, these individuals are diverted into treatment and support programs in lieu of arrest

·         Linking to Treatment: Once identified, individuals are connected to appropriate substance use disorder treatment services, including detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient counseling, medication for addiction treatment (MAT), and peer support groups.

·         Post Overdose Outreach: Following a non-fatal overdose, outreach teams, often comprising of law enforcement officers, medical professionals, and social workers, engage with individuals to provide support, resources, and referrals to treatment services to reduce the risk of future overdoses.

·         Access to Naloxone: Naloxone is a medication used to counter the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone is available to community members upon request and is distributed during outreach events. The REACH Unit has distributed and installed Naloxboxes throughout the Jeffersontown community to be used in emergencies and for community members that would like Naloxone to take to have available. The REACH Unit continues to monitor and replenish the boxes.

Community Education and Outreach: REACH offers training and outreach activities to raise awareness about substance use disorders, lifesaving naloxone distribution, reducing stigma, and providing information about available resources and support services

REACH provides individuals facing homelessness support and assists with making referrals. We understand the complexity of homelessness and strive to provide tailored assistance to promote stability and well-being.

Key features of our services include:

·         Assessment and Support: REACH will conduct a brief initial assessment to understand the unique circumstances of each individual experiencing homelessness in our community. Reach will then offer personalized support to address immediate needs and assist in making referrals to community agencies to develop long-term solutions.

·         Basic Needs Assistance: We recognize the importance of meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and hygiene. REACH works closely with Jefferson Area Ministry (JAM) to provide food and we collect donations from the community to provide houseless outreach bags that include basic clothing and hygiene items.

·         Community Partnerships: We collaborate closely with local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and government entities to maximize resources and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. Through these partnerships, we strive to create a network of care that addresses homelessness and promotes lasting solutions.

·         Prevention Services: In addition to assisting individuals currently experiencing homelessness, we also offer prevention services to help at-risk individuals and families avoid homelessness altogether. By addressing potential barriers and providing early intervention, we aim to prevent homelessness whenever possible.

REACH offers support in accessing behavioral health services for individuals needing assistance. We prioritize prompt and effective response to ensure individuals are linked to the care they require in a timely manner. REACH can be called out to a scene by officers, follow up on police reports involving mental health calls for services, or be requested by officers, dispatch, and/or any community member to follow up with an individual needing assistance.

Key features of our services include:

·            Support: Our team provides support to individuals reaching out for help with mental health and behavioral health issues. We understand the urgency of these situations and aim to offer timely assistance to those in need.

·            Facilitate Placement: We can assist in facilitating placements in local treatment facilities, guiding individuals through the intake process with care and compassion. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition into appropriate care settings, optimizing the chances of successful treatment outcomes.

·            Increase access to services: Recognizing that each individual's needs are unique, and we aim to reduce barriers to accessing essential mental health services.

·            Support for Loved Ones: We understand the importance of supporting the loved ones of individuals struggling with mental health issues. Our team provides guidance and assistance to family members and friends, offering support, including assistance with filing mental health inquest warrants when necessary.

What is it? The Situation Table is a team of designated staff from community and government agencies that meet weekly to address specific situations regarding individuals and families facing elevated levels of risk and develop immediate, coordinated, and integrated responses through the mobilization of resources, The Situation Table is a new way of utilizing and mobilizing resources already in place in different, unified, and dynamic ways to address specific situations of elevated risk before an incident requiring emergency response. The Situation Table does not perform case management. Its purpose is to mitigate risk within 48 hours of the situation being presented and connect individuals and families to services.

Collaborative Approach: The model fosters collaboration among local agencies and stakeholders, such as law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Driven by collaboration and efficiency, the model optimally utilizes existing resources to tackle specific situations preemptively.

  Swift Implementation: The table is a swift and coordinated strategy to address crises faced by individuals and families within a 48-hour timeframe of situation being presented at the Table, aiming to mitigate acute elevated risk factors.

Customized Interventions: Through coordinated efforts, the model enables the development of customized interventions to address the specific needs of individuals or families identified to be at an acutely elevated risk.

Preventive Measures: By proactively identifying and addressing risk factors, the model aims to prevent crises and promote long-term community safety and well-being.

BRING it to the Table:
For organizations seeking involvement or individuals experiencing multiple elevated risks, seeking the assistance of the Situation table, don't hesitate to contact louisvillesituationtable@gmail.com. Our goal is to navigate individuals and families through this often-complicated process.