Co-responder programming pairs police officers with social service professionals to provide immediate responses to individuals in need.

Social service is inclusive of mental health but also can include other factors that can be affecting an individual such as homeless, drug abuse, parenting, domestic violence, etc. Using the term “mental health” exclusively can create a level of stigma as well barrier to accessing needed services.

YES, as social services professionals help residents get the assistance, they are seeking by connecting residents to the correct resources.

There are several benefits not only for the community but also the department and officers. Examples of benefits include: assistance with resolving long term issues, decreases department’s liability, decreases potential for violent encounters, in the long-term programming can help to divert calls from police to more appropriate services, in the field training for officers and normalizes receiving help for both the officers and residents.

A correctly trained clinician understands at least basic law enforcement terminology, functions, and procedures. It is imperative that when developing crisis services that both the department and the clinicians have an open line of communication and understanding of each other’s role in situations. When done so successful it presents as a seamless team.

Crisis services are not one model that fits all types. There are several departments in the United States who partner with local agency to cut costs but also share resources. VIP Crisis Consultation is extremely familiar in these types of services and can assist with facilitating and development of a collaboration.