Radnor Township officials and the Radnor Police Department are hoping that by better addressing the mental health needs of township residents, they can build a safer community, writes Richard Ilgenfritz for Main Line Media News.

Through the Community Support Unit launched in October, there is now a licensed clinical social worker to help with mental health emergencies.

The program also provides additional police officers to respond to investigations involving mental health emergencies and to provide follow-up for the patrol division.

Radnor Police Superintendent Chris Flanagan explained, “We know that building a safer Radnor Township means approaching mental health, trauma, and crime from every possible angle. The CSU combines the necessary skills of police with the specialized training of a civilian social worker to address the root causes of mental health challenges, addiction issues, and crime compassionately and safely. This is supported by data and by what law enforcement officers on the ground are telling us about the incidents they’re addressing.”

The program was designed to allow the police to improve service to the community through non-traditional means like collaborations with business owners, local schools, and houses of worship.

“Establishing meaningful relationships can very well reduce, if not prevent, crime from occurring.”

Read more about the Radnor Police’s Community Support Unit in the Main Line Media News.