Fort Collins Police Services has hired a mental health co-responder who will work with officers to connect people in crisis with community resources.
According to a press release, the agency is assisting an increasing number of community members who have mental health disorders, as well as their families concerned about them.
The new position was created to increase the safety of these residents and officers who encounter them, and to help families and those in crisis access appropriate services.
The new mental health co-responder, Stephanie Booco, is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor with experience in forensic psychology and counseling, according to the release. She has worked in jails, emergency departments, community clinics, and private agencies, primarily serving justice-involved individuals with substance use and mental health concerns.
“People may call the police for help, but that doesn’t necessarily mean an officer is the best person to provide services,” FCPS Chief Jeff Swoboda said in the release. “Stephanie will be able to help individuals and families in crisis make a plan and get the assistance they need. We believe this forward-thinking approach will reduce repeated law enforcement contacts and criminal offenses stemming from mental health and substance use issues.”
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