Department hires mental health specialist to respond to crises

Fort Collins Police Services has hired a mental health coresponder who will work with officers to connect people in crisis with community resources.

According to a news release, the agency is assisting an increasing number of community members who have mental health disorders, as well as those whose families are concerned about them.

The new position was created to increase the safety of these residents and officers who encounter them, police said, and to help families and those in crisis access the appropriate services.

The new mental health coresponder, Stephanie Booco, is a licensed professional counselor and licensed addiction counselor with experience in forensic psychology and counseling, according to the news release.

She has worked in jails, emergency departments, community clinics, and private agencies, primarily serving justiceinvolved individuals with substance use and mental health con cerns.

“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,” Swoboda said. “We believe this forwardthinking approach will reduce repeated law enforcement contacts and criminal offenses stemming from mental health and substance use issues.”