From September 14–20, 2025, National Co-Responder Week highlights the innovative collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals, transforming the way communities respond to individuals in crisis.
The Grand Junction Police Department (GJPD) is proud to recognize the vital work of its Co-Responder Unit, a team that has been serving on the front lines of public safety and mental health response since 2018. This specialized unit pairs a police officer with a mental health clinician to respond to calls involving behavioral health crises.
The Co-Responder Unit helps divert officers from complex mental health calls back to active police service while providing critical crisis response in the community. By treating individuals experiencing crisis in place when appropriate, the team reduces the use of high-cost services and eases the burden on hospitals and inpatient facilities. In 2024, GJPD’s Co-Responder Unit responded to 1,962 behavioral health calls.
"When we started the Co-Responder Unit in 2018, I’ll admit I was skeptical," said Sergeant Stan Ancell. "This was a new approach for law enforcement. Now, I can’t imagine working without them. The collaboration between our officers and clinicians has been instrumental in assisting those experiencing mental health crises in our community."
In addition to the Co-Responder Unit, GJPD provides Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) to every sworn officer. This training equips officers with the skills to deescalate situations involving individuals in mental health crisis safely and compassionately.
Addressing mental health needs remains a top priority for the Grand Junction Police Department. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, call 911 and request to speak with a Co-Responder team member. Community members may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support.