Waterford Township Police Department has recently welcomed a new addition to its team, a mental health co-responder. This individual will join other police agencies in the area that have also implemented similar programs. According to Police Chief Scott Underwood, the co-responder brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in mental health that the officers may not possess.
Similar to other co-responders in Oakland County, this individual received training through the Oakland Community Health Network and is near completion. They will work full-time in Waterford and accompany officers on calls related to mental health or substance abuse issues, as well as follow up on such cases when off-duty.
Waterford Township reimburses the Oakland Community Health Network for the co-responder’s salary, benefits, and equipment. The co-responder wears a bulletproof vest as a precaution but is not armed and will only respond to scenes after they have been secured by officers. The main goal of this program is to prevent repeat calls for the same issue by providing assistance and access to resources for those involved.
Co-responders are becoming increasingly popular across the country as a way to de-escalate and stabilize situations involving individuals with mental health challenges. Many local police departments have already implemented similar programs, including Troy, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Auburn Hills, among others. Additionally, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has a co-responder assisting deputies in Pontiac and has received positive feedback from departments that utilize this service.
The addition of this new member to the Waterford Police Department team highlights their commitment to providing exceptional services to their community members. With mental health issues continuing to be a major concern in many communities across the country, having access to trained professionals who can provide immediate support can make all the difference for those in need of help.