OMAHA, Neb. — Omaha police officers respond to about 43 mental health calls daily across the metro, and a seven-person co-responder unit handles between 20 and 30 of those calls each month per person, according to the Omaha Police Department.
The unit, known internally as the “Frank Unit,” has been operating since 2018. Co-responder Hannah Dougherty, who has been with OPD for about a year, said most calls end with a peaceful resolution.
What co-responders do on scene
When officers determine a situation requires a co-responder, they call in the Frank Unit. Dougherty said the team’s approach centers on communication and empathy.
“We get there, we can talk to them, we empathize with them. We understand that they are going through a lot. We are usually able to come to a peaceful resolution in most of these calls and get the individual the help that they need,” Dougherty said…