08/11/2026
Northville Township has led the way on providing this vital human service.
When a police call involves a mental health crisis, substance use, aging-related challenges or another difficult personal situation, Northville Township Police Co-Response Clinician Brittany Patillo provides an additional layer of support.
Employed through Hegira Health, Inc., Patillo works alongside the Northville Township Police Department and also supports the City of Northville and Plymouth Township police departments. She responds with officers when behavioral health expertise can help, providing crisis intervention, emotional support and connections to community resources.
“I wanted to be the support officers and residents need during the tough calls and difficult times,” Patillo said.
Patillo originally planned to become a police officer, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University. She later found her calling in behavioral health, earning a master’s degree in social work from Walden University and building 10 years of experience in social services. She joined NTPD in June as its full-time Police Co-Response Clinician.
From responding to crises and welfare checks to following up with residents and connecting them with therapy, substance use treatment, senior services and other programs, Patillo’s work helps ensure support continues beyond the initial emergency.
“It helps residents feel like the Department truly cares, is there to help them and provide follow-up support,” she said. “This is a way to help residents feel heard.”
Through this partnership, NTPD is continuing to expand how it serves the community — connecting public safety with behavioral health support and resources when residents need them most.