The Dover Police Department is proud to announce that members of its Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), Corporal Jake Shepherd and Clinical Field Partner Watara Heath, were selected to present at the 2026 Co-Responder Conference (CoRCon) in Dallas, Texas, one of the nation’s premier gatherings focused on collaborative responses to behavioral health crises.
CoRCon brings together law enforcement professionals, clinicians, researchers, and community partners from across the United States to share innovative practices and successful programs that improve outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
Corporal Shepherd and Clinician Heath were invited to share Dover’s experiences and successes utilizing the co-responder model, which pairs specially trained law enforcement officers with behavioral health professionals to provide effective, compassionate, and coordinated responses to individuals in crisis.
Being selected to present at a national conference is a significant professional achievement and reflects the exceptional work being conducted by Dover’s Behavioral Health Unit. Their selection highlights the Dover Police Department’s growing reputation as a leader in the co-responder field and demonstrates that innovative work being performed in Dover is helping shape best practices across the country.
The Behavioral Health Unit has become an integral part of the Department’s mission to improve public safety while connecting community members with critical behavioral health resources. Through proactive outreach, crisis intervention, follow-up services, and partnerships with healthcare and community organizations, the unit continues to reduce repeat calls for service and improve outcomes for individuals and families in need.
“We are incredibly proud of Corporal Shepherd and Clinician Heath,” said Chief Thomas Johnson. “Their invitation to present on a national stage is a testament to their professionalism, dedication, and the positive impact they have on our community every day. It also reinforces Dover’s position as a recognized leader in behavioral health response and police-clinician partnerships.”
The Dover Police Department congratulates Corporal Shepherd and Clinician Heath on this accomplishment and thanks them for representing both the City of Dover and the State of Delaware at the national level.
For more information about the Dover Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, visit the Department’s Behavioral Health Unit webpage.
Watara Heath (Clinician)
Cpl. Jake Shepherd