Bainbridge Island Police Department community health navigator Kelsey Lynch last month made a presentation at the International Summit on Violence, Abuse and Trauma Across the Lifespan conference in San Diego.

Lynch’s presentation, Meeting Individuals in Their Moment of Trauma: Using the Co-Response Model to Bring Advocates into the Field, highlights the BIPD approach to co-response. The method includes victim advocacy services that police can use in the field or for follow-up support for calls relating to domestic violence, sexual assault and traumatic incidents, BI city manager Blair King’s weekly report says.

Connecting victims of traumatic incidents to an advocate at the time of police response can help victims through the investigatory process.

Police nationwide are using mental health professionals in a co-responder model for better field response to mental health calls. Research shows it’s effective, and departments are looking at how to adapt the model to support officers in other types of 911 responses and investigations.

Providing system-based advocacy in the field requires buy-in from law enforcement, prosecutors and community partners, but could reduce future utilization of 911 services by providing in-the-moment connection. As field-based co-response programs grow, understanding how to better use mental health professionals could be an important part of providing trauma care.

Lynch’s presentation offers a promising model for trauma-informed care that not only supports victims but also enhances overall public safety. The BIPD is at the forefront of using these innovative methods, setting a standard for agencies nationwide, King’s weekly report says.