New mental health liaison to start work with Iowa City police

IOWA CITY — CommUnity Crisis Services has hired a law enforcement liaison to fill a position created as part of Iowa City’s plan to restructure the police department.

The new liaison, Joachim Seelos, has worked extensively in child welfare and with homeless youths, according to a news release from CommUnity.

Originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, Seelos is a graduate of Park University in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Iowa City Council approved the creation of the position in February. Council members at the time called it a step toward reducing police intervention in mental health crises.

The liaison will respond to certain calls for service and provide alternative interventions to those experiencing a mental health crisis.

“We feel this is a step in the right direction to provide much needed services to those experiencing a mental health crisis that does not involve the traditional law enforcement response,” Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston said in the release. “We are hopeful that with early intervention by (Seelos), the potential for negative outcomes will be reduced.”

Cedar Rapids and Marion police have similar liaison programs.

Seelos will begin work with Iowa City police at the end of August.

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