Police officers often encounter subjects in crisis who may be better served by a mental health professional.

A local police department is taking a new approach when it comes to handling these types of calls.

Monday night, Beloit Police Chief Andre Sayles asked the City Council to approve a memorandum of understanding for a co-responder program with the Rock County Crisis Intervention Team.

Under the new partnership, law enforcement personnel and a crisis worker will respond together to active crisis situations where mental health is a factor.

The Beloit Police Department will provide the office space and equipment, and Rock County Human Services will provide the crisis worker 40 hours per week.