Co-Response Program Funding and Operations
Santa Barbara County
Summary
The board reviewed the success and fiscal challenges of the joint Sheriff's Office and Behavioral Wellness Co-Response Program, which pairs mental health clinicians with deputies. While praised for de-escalating crises and lowering arrests, future funding remains precarious with one team currently unfunded in the upcoming budget.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 7, 2026.
Impact analysis
The annual operating cost for four co-response teams is approximately $1.9 million.
Individuals experiencing mental health crises receive specialized, humane care rather than incarceration.
Unfunded team capacity places heavier caseloads on remaining units and patrol deputies.
Mentions & discussions (1)
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Santa Barbara County
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.