WEST PLAINS, Wash. — A crisis response team in the West Plains is using a new style of policing focused on connecting people with resources rather than making arrests. The West Plains Crisis Response Team, run by the Airway Heights and Cheney police departments, recently added two new members to bring the all-women team to four responders and a K-9. This week marks the first time they are all responding to calls together. The team consists of two mental health clinicians, two officers, and Tonks, a therapy dog who plays a critical role in de-escalating tense situations.

"She will come in and calm them down and allow us to continue working with them. That is a huge de-escalation piece," said Officer Maria Fell, a co-responder on the crisis response team.

Jenny McClelland, a clinici

See Full Page