Rep. Scherer Highlights Co-Responders Pilot Program Coming to Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her commitment to improving public safety, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, celebrates the passage of House Bill 4736, which creates the Co-Responder Pilot Program. The Scherer-backed bill is part of a comprehensive package of legislation aimed at increasing public safety by supporting law enforcement and tackling the root causes of crime.

“When law enforcement and social services agencies work together, our communities are safer and better supported,” said Scherer. “The Co-Responders Pilot Program will help vulnerable residents get the support they need while helping law enforcement police in a way that is both safe and compassionate. I am thrilled that this legislation designates Springfield as one of four cities to be a part of the pilot program and I am eager to see the program’s results.”

The Co-Responder Pilot Program will have social services and mental health professionals go on calls with police officers to determine whether individuals involved are experiencing a mental health crisis. Law enforcement and social services will then determine if a mental health facility or other resources could help the individual. The bill also creates a program to assist victims and witnesses of violent crime with temporary living costs, moving expenses, rent, security deposits and other appropriate relocation expenses. It also mandates all ISP homicide investigator training to include instruction on victim-centered, trauma-informed investigation no later than July 1, 2023.

“Through compassionate policing and supporting the victims and witnesses of violent crimes, we’re enacting a holistic approach to public safety that will benefit the 96th district and the entire state,” Scherer said. “Our work on public safety is ongoing, but House Bill 4736 is a significant step toward a safer Illinois.”

The Co-Responder Pilot Program will launch in Springfield in the next six months. For more information on this legislation, please visit www.ilga.gov. Scherer represents areas of Sangamon, Macon and Christian counties. For more information, please contact her full time constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or staterepsue@gmail.com