DENVER (KDVR) — U.S. lawmakers from Colorado have introduced a new bill aimed at expanding funding for partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals, building on the success of Colorado’s existing co-responder programs like Denver’s STAR initiative and Grand Junction’s program.
The legislation, introduced in December by Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), seeks to establish a framework for health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to respond to individuals facing mental health crises, substance use issues, homelessness, or poverty.
“Colorado has proven that community policing improves public safety while reducing costs by addressing mental health and substance use crises with resource-based responses,” Sen. Bennet said in a statement. “This bill would ensure that law enforcement focuses on violent crime, while trained health professionals de-escalate emergencies and connect individuals with essential services. We are expanding Colorado’s leadership in community policing nationwide.”
The goal of the proposed legislation is to ensure that the right professionals are available to de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, promoting both safety and well-being.
“We’ve seen firsthand how community policing works in Colorado,” Rep. Crow said. “By partnering with mental health professionals, we can make sure law enforcement has the tools to protect communities while also connecting people to the resources they need.”
Success of Co-Responder Programs in Colorado
The bill draws inspiration from successful co-responder programs already in operation in Colorado. Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program has responded to nearly 7,500 calls for service since its launch in June 2020. Meanwhile, Grand Junction’s co-responder unit handled over 3,200 calls in 2023, with more than 1,000 of those related to behavioral health crises.
The STAR program has gained national recognition as a model for mental health crisis response. In fact, it received over $7 million in funding between 2021 and 2023. Teams involved in the STAR program are equipped with a range of resources to help those in need, from medical gear to basic supplies like blankets and snacks. In one notable instance, a STAR team spent over three hours assisting a newcomer to Denver, helping him obtain identification, food, and medications, and ultimately getting him into a shelter—actions that would have likely been out of reach for standard police officers.
National Momentum for Mental Health Crisis Response
As of 2023, at least 14 of the largest U.S. cities have implemented mental health crisis response programs, many of which are based on models similar to STAR. These programs aim to provide a more appropriate and compassionate response to individuals in distress, rather than relying solely on law enforcement intervention.
Ryan Kenny, Chief of the Vail Police Department, highlighted the success of the Eagle County co-responder program, which pairs trained mental health clinicians and paramedics with individuals in crisis. “The program has reduced emergency room visits and helped keep individuals in their homes, where they can receive the care they need,” Kenny said. “By limiting law enforcement’s role in these situations, we can allow officers to focus on public safety, while mental health professionals address the specific needs of those in crisis.”
The SMART Community Policing Act of 2024
If passed, the SMART Community Policing Act of 2024 would allocate funding to foster collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community outreach teams. The bill aims to improve public safety and ensure that individuals in crisis receive the appropriate care and support.
Introduced on December 17, the bill is a step toward scaling up Colorado’s proven approach to community policing and mental health crisis intervention, offering a model for the rest of the nation to follow.
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