LANCASTER — The Lancaster and Lunenburg police departments have been awarded a Department of Mental Health (DMH) grant to fund a full-time co-response clinician who will work alongside officers in both communities.
According to a statement from the Lancaster Police Department, the position is fully funded through DMH and is intended to expand the departments’ ability to support residents experiencing mental health and substance-use crises.
The clinician, Vanessa Rivera, will ride with officers on a daily basis and provide services including mental health support, trauma-informed care, substance-use support, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and assistance during situations involving imminent risk to an individual or others.
“Vanessa began her career as a co-response clinician in 2023 and brings valuable experience working with high-risk populations across a variety of settings,” the Lancaster Police Department said in its statement. “We are confident her skills, professionalism, and compassion will be a tremendous asset to both departments and the communities we serve.”
Police credited Detective Andrew Shaw and Officer Bradley McNamara with leading the effort to secure the grant.
Residents who want more information about the program are encouraged to visit either the Lancaster or Lunenburg Police Department.
