Co-Response Program Starter Guide

A Primer for Agencies Exploring Police–Behavioral Health Partnerships

Introduction to the Co-Response Model

Co-Response is a collaborative crisis response model that pairs law enforcement with embedded behavioral health clinicians. Its goal is to improve safety, reduce risk, and ensure individuals experiencing behavioral health crises receive appropriate, compassionate, and practical support. This guide highlights the core components, staffing considerations, workflow examples, and decision-making tools essential for agencies considering or starting a Co-Response program.

Core Principles

Safety and compassion are shared priorities.

Clinicians provide on-scene assessment and intervention.

Law enforcement ensures scene safety and support.

Collaborative response reduces unnecessary arrests and ER transports.

Follow-up ensures continuity of care and stability.

Overview of Common Co-Response Models

Embedded Co-Response (Patrol-Based):

Clinicians accompany officers and respond to all service calls where behavioral health issues may be present.

Call-Out / Hybrid Model:

Clinicians are dispatched when behavioral health factors are identified; they can either be embedded with officers or available on call.

Follow-Up Model:

Clinicians conduct outreach, case management, and stabilization contacts after incidents.

Mobile Crisis Integration:

Co-Response efforts are coordinated with regional or state-level mobile crisis teams to ensure broader reach

Staffing Recommendations

Clinician Qualifications:
Master’s-level clinician
Experience in crisis intervention and risk assessment
Strong communication skills

Police Staffing Considerations:
Patrol officers
Supervisors supportive of the model
Dispatch trained to identify behavioral health indicators

Recommended Staffing Ratios:
1 clinician per 1–2 police shifts
2–3 clinicians for mid-sized agencies (24/7 not required but ideal)

Supervision:
Weekly clinical supervision
Monthly joint case reviews between police and behavioral health leadership

Key Decision Points for Agencies

Before launching a Co-Response program, agencies should consider:

Will the program operate during all patrol shifts?

What data will be collected, stored, and who will manage reporting?

How will confidentiality, information sharing, and documentation be handled?

What funding mechanisms will support the program long-term?

Clear decisions in these areas create consistency, safety, and clarity of roles for all partners.