The Middle Township Police Department is attempting to have a positive impact on mental health issues that lead to police involvement. A joint program with Volunteers of America provides police officers responding to a crisis with the ability to use the group’s social services personnel as part of a team response. According to the Cape May County Herald, at the Township Committee meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17, results from a report were shared showing that for the months of September through November, a total of 91 encounters – an encounter being an interaction between an individual needing help and a Volunteers of America member – resulted in 20 homeless individuals being offered housing. Sixteen of those 20 accepted and were connected to a housing option.