Co-Responder Program Expands To Buckingham, Solebury, And New Hope

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Bucks County's newest co-responder is now on the job in Buckingham Township, Solebury Township, and New Hope Borough.

Under the county's newest co-responder partnership, Corrine Beck, a social service professional who is employed by the Bucks County Department of Human Resources, will be working with police in the three municipalities to assist with mental health and drug-related calls in an effort to divert people away from the criminal justice system.

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The county's co-responders answer 911 calls involving individuals who are suffering from mental health and drug concerns in all areas of the population, including children, teens, adults, and older adults. Police usually arrive at the scene first and, once the scene/situation is deemed safe, the officer will call for the co-responders’ help.

Since the program was launched in 2020, the county says the data shows a significant decline in the amount of time police officers spend on a response to a social service call. The addition of a co-responder has been shown to speed the return of law enforcement to patrol or to address criminal matters.

"The role of a co-responder strengthens our ability to serve the community with clinically informed support," the Buckingham Township Police Department said in a statement. "Corrine's specialized training and community resources allow her to focus on connecting with individuals in crisis to the services and help they need. Just as important, the approach helps to divert individuals whose needs are primarily social or behavioral from unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system, ensuring better outcomes for both the individual and the community."

The department added, "We are excited to collaborate with Solebury Township Police Department and New Hope Borough Police Department" in the co-responder program. "We are excited to have her as part of our team and look forward to the positive impact this role will continue to make."

New Hope Borough voted in March to join the co-responder program.