July 20–26 is National Deflection Week, a time set aside to recognize police deflection programs that aim to reduce crime and substance use by connecting individuals to treatment options.

Instead of traditional police intervention, deflection relies on law enforcement as the referral source to community-based drug treatment and mental health services.

The EPPD’s social worker program is a perfect example of deflection. In 2024, Eden Prairie officers made 467 referrals to the department’s social worker. The top five reasons for the referrals were:

• Mental health
• Mental health/substance use disorder
• Substance use disorder
• Economics
• Medical

In May, a second social worker began serving in Eden Prairie. Our two social workers work together to connect residents with the support services they need.

Photos: EPPD Social Workers Caitlin Hurley (above) and Molly Mitley