WPD Launches New Co-Responder Team

Beginning Thursday, August 13th, the Winchester Police Department, in collaboration with Northwestern Community Services, will launch a new Co-Responder Program designed to enhance services for individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises.

The Co-Responder Team is a collaborative initiative that pairs one Winchester Police Department officer with one licensed Qualified Mental Health Professional from Northwestern Community Services. Together, they will respond to public safety calls involving individuals experiencing behavioral health crises, providing immediate on-scene assessment, intervention, and support.

The primary objectives of the program are to:

• Provide immediate, on-scene intervention during behavioral health crises.
• Divert individuals from the criminal justice system whenever appropriate.
• Reduce the need for emergency custody orders and hospitalization.
• Decrease the likelihood of use-of-force incidents.
• Connect individuals with appropriate behavioral health treatment and community resources.

By combining law enforcement expertise with behavioral health services, the Co-Responder Team aims to improve outcomes for individuals in crisis while increasing the safety of both the public and first responders.

The program will operate every Thursday and Friday, with the Winchester Police Department continuously monitoring its effectiveness and making operational adjustments as needed to best serve the community.

The Winchester Police Department appreciates the partnership with Northwestern Community Services and the City of Winchester in bringing this important initiative to the community. The Co-Responder Team represents another step forward in ensuring residents experiencing behavioral health crises receive timely, appropriate, and compassionate care.