Co-Responder Programs: The Future of Police and Mental Health Crisis Response

Mental health-related calls are skyrocketing, leaving police departments across the country with the challenge of balancing public safety and mental health crises. Traditional police methods aren’t always enough. That’s where Co-Responder Programs come in, providing a collaborative solution that pairs police officers with mental health professionals to de-escalate crises and offer real-time support.

Here’s why these programs are revolutionizing law enforcement—and how they can improve outcomes for everyone involved.

What Are Co-Responder Programs?

Co-responder programs bring together a police officer and a mental health specialist to respond jointly to mental health calls. The officer ensures safety, while the mental health professional focuses on de-escalating the situation and providing appropriate care.

There are two common models:

• Ride-Along Model: The officer and specialist patrol together for the entire shift.

• On-Call Model: The specialist is dispatched only when needed.

These teams respond to incidents like suicide threats, drug overdoses, and psychiatric episodes, working to calm the situation, assess the individual's needs, and connect them with relevant services—all while reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.

Key Agencies Leading the Way

Several police departments are successfully implementing Co-Responder Programs, such as:

• Denver’s STAR Program: A pioneering effort that has set the standard for mental health crisis intervention.

• Eugene, Oregon’s CAHOOTS: One of the longest-running co-response models, operating since 1989.

• New York City’s B-HEARD Program: A trailblazer in embedding mental health professionals within the largest police force in the U.S.

Why It Works: Data Speaks for Itself

Research shows that Co-Responder Programs are highly effective at improving outcomes during mental health crises:

• In Colorado, 98% of calls handled by co-responders avoided arrest.

• New Jersey’s program reported a 95% reduction in the need for force.

• Among individuals repeatedly interacting with Colorado co-responders, 68.8% were successfully enrolled in long-term behavioral health services.

Benefits to Law Enforcement and the Community

Co-responder programs have clear advantages:

• De-Escalation Success: Mental health professionals excel in calming volatile situations.

• Reduced Arrests: Instead of being processed through the criminal justice system, individuals receive treatment.

• Officers’ Time: With mental health crises handled effectively, officers can focus on other pressing matters.

• Community Trust: These programs promote a sense of compassion and support, building trust with the community.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Co-Responder Programs?

With the success of existing models, many agencies are considering expanding these programs. They may soon integrate with resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for an even greater impact.

The future might also see a shift toward proactive, non-crisis interventions, helping individuals before they reach a breaking point.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite their promise, Co-Responder Programs face challenges. Resource constraints—whether financial, staffing, or training—can limit the reach of these programs. Additionally, some critics argue that police involvement in mental health situations should be minimized further, relying solely on healthcare providers. However, with continued funding and data-driven refinements, these programs are likely to play a key role in mental health crisis management moving forward.

Conclusion

Co-responder programs represent a significant shift in how law enforcement agencies respond to mental health crises. By collaborating with mental health professionals, police departments are reducing arrests, saving time, and providing better outcomes for individuals in crisis.