Judge Joe Burke proposes court‑embedded clinicians and regional co‑response to divert people in mental‑health crisis from jail

Judge Joe Burke, administrative presiding judge of the Rocky River Community Court, presented a proposal March 11 to fund a West Shore Co‑Response and Court Stabilization Network that embeds mental‑health clinicians with police and the courts to reduce arrests and better connect people to treatment.

Burke told mayors that research and local pilots show best practice is embedding clinicians alongside first responders to enable immediate assessment and diversion from the traditional criminal justice pathway. He cited the Shaker Heights pilot program, which expanded from five to eight communities, and said measured successes include fewer hospital transports, faster response times, reduced use‑of‑force incidents, better engagement with frequent callers, and improved access to services.

Burke proposed creating a mental‑health docket in Rocky River to provide judicial oversight and hands‑on coordination of treatment plans, and described funding to support at least four communities at $50,000 per year (approximately $200,000 annually) with the potential for multiyear support. He said the embedded clinician would not ride along with police but would serve as a point person to coordinate services and diversion.

Mayor Pamela Bobst said the next step is to create a program framework; she will coordinate with Judge Burke and engage police chiefs from interested communities. North Olmsted’s Neighborhood Paramedic Program was suggested as an alternate model, and the group may invite a director from Shaker Heights to share program insights.

The proposal was presented for discussion and possible local coordination; no formal funding decision or vote was recorded at the meeting.