Dane County sheriff warns of gaps in mental health response

Dane County Sheriff Kalvin D. Barrett says mental health co-responders are important for rural calls, where deputies may reach people in crisis before specialized care is available.

How the program works

The sheriff's office pairs specially trained deputies with mental health professionals to help calm emergencies and connect people with treatment when appropriate. Barrett says the approach can reduce reliance on criminal justice responses and build community trust.

Staffing concerns

According to Barrett, the department has a vacant mental health deputy position, while an embedded crisis worker is being reassigned by Dane County. He warns that these changes could delay specialist assistance and increase the burden on deputies, especially in remote areas.

Barrett calls for funding and staffing to maintain the program's rural coverage.

Kalvin D. Barrett, Dane County Sheriff