Mental Health Co-Responders

In March 2017, the Riley County Police Department (RCPD) in conjunction with Pawnee Mental Health Services (PMHS) created two mental health co-responder positions to provide officers assistance serving citizens in crisis situations. 

According to former Riley County Police Department Director Brad Schoen, the position helps restore what has been lost in recent years. “We’re confident it will help us address shortcomings in local mental health care which have resulted from cuts to community mental health centers over the past several years.”

Tiffany Anders has been employed as one of two mental health co-responders with PMHS/RCPD since August 2018. Tiffany has completed her clinical internship with Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center while placed at the Douglas County Jail providing mental health services to inmates. Tiffany worked in foster care for 7 years locally and in surrounding communities. Tiffany has a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Behavior Sciences from the University of Kansas (2010) and a Masters in Social Work (2018).

Erin Woods has been employed as one of the two mental health Co-Responders with PMHS/RCPD since March 2023.  Erin completed her clinical internship with Pawnee Mental Health at the Crisis Stabilization Unit.  She has 23 years of experience in the substance use and addiction field.  Erin has worked with many populations including the military, jails/prisons, outpatient and residential settings. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Social Work from Walden University as well as holds a license in Addictions Counseling.

"I highly value the ever-growing partnership we have in Crisis Services with the Riley County Police Department," Pawnee Mental Health Services Crisis Director Brynne Haverkamp said. "Together we are working hard to reduce strain on emergency services and increasing the training and support officers need to better serve our community."