Cookeville council approves pilot MOU to embed certified peer recovery specialists with police response teams

City staff presented and the Cookeville City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) to integrate certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS) into the city’s crisis response.

Mills, the staff presenter, described the program succinctly: "The purpose of the collaboration would be to enhance response efforts for individuals experiencing substance use disorders, mental health crisis, and other related challenges by providing peer based recovery support, resource linkage, and follow-up services." The council voted to authorize staff — including Mills and the police chief — to execute the one‑year trial by a unanimous 5–0 vote.

Program mechanics and cost: staff said the MOU would begin July 1, 2026, run for one year as a trial and may be terminated by either side on 30 days’ notice. Staff told the council there is no immediate direct cost to the city for the first year; future funding discussions were expected as the city evaluates whether to contribute financially if the pilot proves successful.

Rationale and local context: presenters framed the MOU as an extension of Cookeville’s existing community crisis response (CCR) efforts that pair clinicians and first responders. Scott, a staff participant during the discussion, said the arrangement allows officers to focus on law-enforcement duties while specialists provide follow-up outreach and resource navigation that officers are not trained to deliver.

Support and next steps: several council members praised the CCR model and urged the city to continue evaluating the program’s outcomes; Mills recommended approval and authorization for execution. The council approved the MOU 5–0, and staff will return with implementation details or requests for funding as needed.