Co-Responders Program Expands to 3 More Police Departments

Bucks County's award-winning Human Services Co-Responder Program has expanded to include three more police departments.

Police in Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough and Yardley Borough joined the program this spring when they welcomed co-responder Taylor Szarko to their departments.

"Thanks to the proven and continued success of our administration's partnership with local police departments, three more Bucks County communities will be served by a Human Services Co-Responder," said Commissioner Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia. "This program provides a valuable resource to police officers, allowing them to better focus their efforts on crime, and makes our neighborhoods safer while giving more vulnerable people in our communities the help they need."

Now in its fourth year, the co-responder program pairs social workers with law enforcement, helping residents who require social services to connect with the providers they need, while freeing up police officers' time.

Szarko, who has a history of working in clinical settings and in the criminal justice system, began working with the County in late March at a salary of $59,000. Her appointment marks the latest expansion of the co-responder program, which is now operating in 21 police departments across Bucks County.

"Every time we expand our Co-Responder program, it is a reminder how important the county's partnership is with law enforcement," said Rachael Neff, Director of Human Services. "Because of this partnership, we are helping more of our community members in need. I am proud to work alongside such a talented Co-Responder team."

PHOTO: Human Services Co-Responder Taylor Szarko, second from right, poses for a photo with a police officers and officials from the Morrisville Borough, Lower Makefield Township and Yardley Borough police departments. Also pictured are Bucks County's Human Services Director Rachael Neff and Community Engagement Officer Ivone Kovalsky, third and fourth from left respectively.

The program has grown steadily since it launched in 2020 with two co-responders embedded in the Bensalem Township Police Department. In the program's first four years, co-responders have assisted more than 1,650 people across some 6,500 contacts.

Last year, the National Association of Counties recognized the success and innovation of the Human Services Co-Responder Program, naming it a 2023 Achievement Award Winner.

Media Contact: James O'Malley, 215-348-6414, [email protected]

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