high standards. That surge enabled the department to revive its K-9 unit, expand proactive enforcement, and improve response times across a compact 10-square-mile service area. The department also secured certification as a Blue Shield Community, a state-level designation that recognizes concrete action to reduce violent crime, improve recruiting and retention, and strengthen collaboration with city leadership—opening avenues for grant support. But the most transformative shift may be in how Raytown answers calls tied to mental health. Through Rediscover’s Co-Responder Program, two full-time mental health specialists are embedded with the department and ride alongside officers. The results are striking: in the past year, the coresponders joined officers on 833 calls and resolved 86% on scene—without a trip to jail or the hospital. The team has the time and training to stabilize crises, connect people to services, and conduct follow-ups— 55 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 11 RAYTOWN, MO
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