Partners in Protection

The University Police Department and University Health Services recently created a new Assistance, Connection and Engagement Services program. This partnership pairs police officers with licensed professional counselors to respond to any calls with a mental health component, from traffic accidents and student welfare checks to more serious emergencies. 

Megan McCarty has served as the program’s first co-responder, using her expertise in counseling to provide on-the-scene assessments, offer immediate support to distressed students and connect them with further mental health resources. “Even with something like a minor car wreck where a student is distraught or experiencing shock, it can be helpful for a co-responder to be there,” she said. 

The program is a leading step for Texas A&M University in prioritizing students’ well-being in university police response. “When it comes to mental health, we’ve always tried to be a leader, not a follower,” said University Police Sgt. Jonathan Blythe. “We want to do right by these young men and women who attend school here.”

As part of her work, McCarty also provides officers with training and education. Due to its initial success, the program will likely add a second co-responder and case manager in the future.