Fulton County has introduced a new initiative aimed at supporting individuals facing mental health crises without resorting to jail. The Co-Responder, or CoRe, unit combines the expertise of Fulton County sheriff’s deputies with licensed behavioral health clinicians to provide immediate assistance.
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When Deputy Stephen Johnson and clinician Tuere Williams respond to calls, they arrive equipped with both law enforcement training and behavioral health knowledge. Johnson emphasizes the importance of providing support and direction to those in need. Williams focuses on assessing the type of help required and exploring alternatives to incarceration.
Launched in May, the pilot program allows the team to spend more time with individuals in crisis, ensuring they are not rushed to the next call. Africa Cotton, a program manager with Fulton County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, highlights that the team's objective is to meet individuals where they are.
The program has already shown promise; during its first four months, the CoRe unit addressed over 500 calls and connected more than 100 people with mental health treatment or community resources. Capt. Andre Hudson from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office noted that often a simple conversation can effectively address immediate needs, potentially avoiding hospital visits.
Sheriff Patrick Labat expressed personal investment in the project, citing family experiences with mental health issues and affirming the need for accessible treatment options. He emphasized the program's goal of demonstrating compassion alongside law enforcement duties.
While the program may not eliminate all arrests, it allows the team to direct individuals to services when safe to do so, rather than jail. The Fulton County Behavioral Health Center serves as a treatment option for those in need. Currently, the CoRe program operates in six cities across South Fulton, with aspirations for future expansion throughout the county.