Therapeutic Response Unit

Who We Are

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) has initiated the development of a Therapeutic Response Unit (TRU) to enhance crisis response capabilities of the KCSO across our service area. TRU is a progressive approach to law enforcement public safety which integrates mental health professionals with specially trained KCSO deputies to form co-responder teams with responsibilities that include de-escalation, crisis intervention, service referrals, and support for treatment processes. 

KCSO recognizes our community members experience a wide variety of issues that may not only be related to law and public safety but rather orbit public safety with other life stressors. TRU supports KCSO’s ability to maintain public safety and enhances resources to address suffering, stressors, social service needs, and support potentially traumatic events with compassion. These types of situations, referred to as crises, may include domestic violence, suicide threats, welfare checks, traffic collisions, unhoused encampments, and substance use/overdoses. Additionally, situations that involve law enforcement can be stressful. Co-response also provides de-escalation with a trauma informed care approach that centers the individual(s) in crisis.

TRU operates within KCSO’s Community Programs and Services Division.