1. RES MOU: Yuma Regional Mental Health Court

 
RESOLUTION NO. R2026-021
 
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YUMA, ARIZONA, AUTHORIZING THE PARTICIPATION OF THE YUMA POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE YUMA REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH COURT THROUGH A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING  
 
WHEREAS, the City of Yuma is authorized by A.R.S. § 11-952 and Article III, Section 13 of the Yuma City Charter to enter into agreements for the joint exercise of any power common to the Parties as to governmental functions necessary for the public health, safety and welfare, and the proprietary functions of such public agencies; and, 
 
WHEREAS, the City Council recognizes the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) who become involved in the criminal justice system; and, 
 
WHEREAS, the Yuma Regional Mental Health Court (MHC) is a problem-solving court designed to promote public safety, reduce recidivism, and improve the outcomes of justice system-involved individuals with SMI or co-occurring disorders through intensive supervision, evidence-based treatment, and judicial oversight; and, 
 
WHEREAS, the Yuma Police Department is a named partner in the Yuma Regional MHC Memorandum of Understanding, which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and collaborative efforts of multiple agencies including the Yuma County Superior Court, Regional Behavioral Health Authority, treatment providers, legal representatives, probation, detention, peer support organizations, and law enforcement; and, 
 
WHEREAS, the City of Yuma acknowledges the importance of city-level support and interdepartmental collaboration in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the MHC, which ultimately benefits the community by reducing incarceration rates and facilitating treatment-based solutions. 
 
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Yuma as follows: 
 
SECTION 1:  The City of Yuma authorizes the Police Chief, with the approval of the City 
Administrator, to enter into a Yuma Regional Mental Health Court Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), effective from April 21, 2026, through April 21, 2027, and authorizes participation in the Mental Health Court by the Yuma Police Department and other appropriate City departments through the MOU. 
 
SECTION 2: The City Administrator, Chief of Police, and other designated City officials are hereby authorized to implement and carry out the provisions of the MOU, participate in the Mental Health Court Advisory Committee as outlined, and coordinate with partners in support of the program.  
 
 	Adopted this ___________ day of June, 2026. 
 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
 	 	                     APPROVED: 
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	________________________ 
	 	Douglas J. Nicholls 
	 	Mayor 
 	 	 	 
 	ATTESTED: 
 
 	________________________ 
      Janet L. Pierson 
 	City Clerk  
 
 
 	APPROVED AS TO FORM: 
 
 	________________________ 
 	Richard W. Files 
   City Attorney