Pittsburgh Expands Crisis Response with Police-Mental Health Teams

Pittsburgh is relaunching and expanding its co-response programme to better support residents in crisis. The initiative, now called the co-response programme, pairs police officers with mental health clinicians for certain 911 calls. Mayor Corey O’Connor emphasised the need for a system that is responsive, innovative, and focused on people requiring assistance. The programme is a partnership between Pittsburgh’s Office of Community Health and Safety and the police bureau. It currently runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, but plans are in place to extend its operating hours. Citywide coverage is the goal, with two dedicated police leaders overseeing its effectiveness.

Under the expansion, six co-responders and six integrated responders will work alongside officers. The budget for these roles, including unfilled positions, has already been allocated. Police Chief Jason Lando believes the programme will cut unnecessary arrests and reduce emergency room visits by providing specialised care on the scene.

Community social worker Jaime Gribben-Mahoney has already demonstrated its impact. By building rapport, she successfully persuaded a reluctant man to accept hospital services when needed. The expanded co-response programme aims to improve crisis intervention across Pittsburgh. With dedicated funding and a clear structure, it is set to provide more effective support to residents in need. The city expects tangible benefits, including fewer arrests and hospital visits tied to mental health incidents.