Across the country, law enforcement agencies are partnering with behavioral health professionals through co-responder programs to provide compassionate care, help reduce unnecessary arrests and connect individuals with suitable services. Locally, Bridgeway’s System of Care Director Jessie Boock explains the Galesburg Police Department is looking to expand their program:
“We are hiring for a second Behavioral Health Co-Responder. What that individual does, they are housed within the police department, they go out with the police in the event of a 911 call that is mental health related, and they assist with making that call for that individual. The purpose of it is to deflect from potential unnecessary escalation that may result in an arrest. That has been a great position add at the Galesburg Police Department. With a second co-responder, that individual will not only work the Galesburg Police Department, but with the county sheriff’s department.”
