Responding to persons affected by mental health issues has become more common for law enforcement agencies nationwide. Inasmuch, we are committed to improving our response to persons in crisis by collaborating with our medical, human, and social service partners in responding to incidents involving crisis.

As a shared resource between the Montpelier and Barre City Police Departments, a Washington County Mental Health clinician, Annie Kasper is embedded in our agency operating under the co-responder model. Under this model, the mental health clinician is paired with an officer responding to calls in addition to providing resources and services based on referrals.

Additionally, through grant funding we have partnered with Turning Point and have a recovery coach, Shannon Duchaine embedded in our agency to assist individuals who may wish to utilize recovery services.