Newark Police Department Announces Launch of Behavioral Health Unit in Partnership with Christiana Care

The Newark Police Department is proud to announce the establishment of a new Behavioral Health Unit, developed in collaboration with Christiana Care, to better serve community members experiencing mental health crises.   The program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council’s federal pass-thru Connect and Protect Grant.

This innovative partnership  with Christiana Care aims to enhance the department’s response to mental health-related calls by providing specialized, compassionate care and connection to critical community resources.

Eric Harrington has joined the Newark Police Department in the newly created role of Mental Health Case Manager.  Mr. Harrington, a civilian mental healthcare professional employed through Christiana Care, brings specialized expertise and experience in mental health services. His primary responsibilities include reviewing police referrals, proactively identifying community members in need, and ensuring they receive appropriate mental health support and resources.

This new approach allows Mr. Harrington to interact with community members differently than uniformed officers typically would, facilitating trust and openness that leads to better outcomes. The Behavioral Health Unit is designed not only to assist individuals in crisis but also to reduce repeat incidents, thereby enhancing overall public safety and community wellness.   Mr. Harrington will have a full workload of cases while partnering with police officers on existing and new programs to benefit members of the community in need.

The Newark Police Department is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in public safety, with mental health and community well-being at the forefront. We look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this partnership and are grateful for the support and collaboration from Christiana Care.