He didn’t expect anyone to understand. The arguments at home, the emotions he couldn’t name—he just wanted the noise to stop. The police officers arrived, and then a clinician. But the clinician didn’t bring judgment—just calm. For the first time in a long time, he felt seen. Not punished, not dismissed, but heard. And in that moment, with someone truly listening, something shifted: maybe he wasn’t alone in this after all.
What happens when someone in crisis, like in the previous real example, doesn’t need a jail cell or a hospital bed, but simply someone to listen? With an estimated 20-38% of 911 calls involving mental health or substance use issues, these situations account for a significant and growing part of law enforcement’s work. Yet officers aren’t always trained to handle these situations, which can limit the options and outcomes.
That’s where Broomfield’s Co-Response (BCORE) comes in. This innovative mental health co-responder program pairs clinicians with police officers to respond to calls involving mental health issues. Instead of defaulting to emergency room visits or arrests, BCORE provides individuals in crisis with appropriate mental health services and resources. Compassion, one of the Broomfield Police Department’s core values, is at the heart of the BCORE program. It shows compassion for its police officers by easing the burden of handling mental health care alone and for the community in moments of need.
When a 911 call comes in, police ensure the scene is safe before a BCORE clinician steps in to offer immediate mental health support. It’s a powerful shift in approach that brings compassion into crisis response, provides the right kind of support in the moment it’s needed, and challenges outdated perceptions of responses to mental health.
Kurt Wederquist, Commander of the Community Services Division, explains, “This program enables us to change the negative narrative that ‘if the cops come, someone will get arrested or hurt.’ Instead, we’re able to give individuals what they actually need in that moment. Maybe a person just needs to be heard. Whatever that looks like, we’re here.”
That was the case for a teenager whose argument with a parent led to a 911 call. The situation revealed the teen had been struggling with significant emotional distress. After speaking with the family, the BCORE clinician assessed that the teen was not in immediate danger of harming themselves. Together, they created a safety plan for the night, including locking away sharp objects, setting boundaries, identifying coping strategies and establishing steps for follow-up care. No hospitalization, no arrest. Just the right help at the right time.
“This is the kind of support BCORE is built to provide,” said clinician supervisor Stephanie Van Jacobs, LCSW, LAC. “We want people to know it’s okay to struggle—everyone has mental health, and sometimes that means needing help.” Fellow clinician Stephanie Cukrowicz, LCSW added, “Sometimes, just sitting on someone’s couch and talking is the first step.” By meeting people where they are—both physically and emotionally—the team aims to replace shame with empowerment, making it easier for community members to seek help without fear or stigma.
Over time, the bond between clinicians and officers has grown into a true partnership. “When they’re in a tough situation, officers can now say, ‘Let me introduce you to my friend who can help,’” said Brandon Kozloff, LCSW, LAC, a BCORE clinician. “That can change a whole call.”
Brandon shared a story about a man in crisis who repeatedly called 911, not for a crime but because he was struggling with alcohol addiction. After building trust with BCORE and the resources they gave him, the man got into a detox program. Weeks later, he texted Brandon, “Thank you for your life-saving work.”
BCORE: Partners in Mental Health Response
Since launching in 2018, BCORE has supported over 4,000 people through on-scene mental health care. Over the last eight months, they have responded to nearly 400 calls, averaging around 50 per month. BCORE partners with multiple agencies, including West Pines, Broomfield Health and Human Services, Clinica, North Metro Fire, Centennial Peaks and more.
To reach BCORE, call them at 303-438-6400 (non-emergency line) and ask for the on-duty clinician. For general questions or messages, call 983-888-6700. Clinicians are available until 9:30 p.m. and will respond as soon as they can. For emergencies, always call 911.
Have lived experience with mental health? Your story matters. Use it to make a difference by serving on BCORE’s advisory board. Your voice could help shape the future of crisis response.
Learn more about BCORE at www.broomfield.org
“Instead of defaulting to ER visits or arrests, BCORE offers the right help at the right time.”