Quick Access
Co-Responder Unit (CRU)
First Responders for Mental Health
The Cape Girardeau Police Department’s Co-Responder Unit (CRU) is a specialized response that pairs a police officer with a behavioral-health professional to assist with calls involving behavioral-health concerns.
CRU responds to 911 calls like any other police unit and may arrive before fire or EMS when appropriate.
Our Mission
To provide a safe, compassionate, and effective response to individuals experiencing a mental-health or substance-use crisis—often helping reduce unnecessary arrests, emergency-room visits, and prolonged officer time on scene.
How the Co-Responder Model Works
- A police officer and behavioral-health professional may respond together to crisis-related calls when available.
- The team focuses on safety, de-escalation, situational assessment, and connecting individuals to appropriate community resources.
- CRU works collaboratively with hospitals, treatment centers, recovery programs, and community agencies to help individuals access the most appropriate level of care.
- When appropriate, the team may provide follow-up support or resource navigation to help reduce repeat crises.
Why This Matters
The Co-Responder approach benefits both community members and first responders by:
- Reducing strain on patrol officers
- Diverting individuals from jail or emergency rooms when safe and appropriate
- Improving access to behavioral-health resources
- Strengthening trust and communication between police and the community
Availability
CRU operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Calls occurring outside of these hours are handled by patrol officers trained in Crisis Intervention when available. Information from those calls may be reviewed by CRU for follow-up as appropriate.
How to Access CRU Services
Emergency or Safety Concern
If you are experiencing a medical emergency or an immediate safety concern, call 911. Dispatch will determine the appropriate response, which may include CRU when available.
Mental Health or Emotional Crisis
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental-health, suicide, or substance-use crisis, you can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
Questions or Resource Information
For general questions or non-emergency resource information, you may visit the Willis A. Martin Police Substation at 629 Good Hope, or call the front desk at (573) 803-0625.
