Wheeling Police Department’s Peer Liaison bridges the gap between law enforcement and community

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Wheeling Police Department’s new peer liaison started this week.

Erica Biggers will go along with officers on any calls involving mental health or substance abuse.

While police officers have a law enforcement background, a peer liaison has a different perspective–as a person actually in long-term recovery.

Erica Biggers says she will go wherever she is needed.

It could be out on the streets, in the jail, the emergency room, or the homeless camp.

If the police are called to deal with a person in crisis, she will ride along.

She has the background and skills to deal with the social services component of these calls.

“The understanding of what they’re truly battling and coming with a different type of compassion. And not feeling like it’s a punishment. Not saying that the police are always punishing, but that’s what they see, you know what I mean. But the chief has made it possible that his department can reach them in a different way.”

Erica Biggers, Wheeling Police Department Peer Liason

They say 20 percent of police calls deal with substance abuse or mental health issues.

Erica says she may help the person get into a recovery program or just get through their immediate crisis.

She can help them get Medicaid or get transportation to their appointments.

She says people might be surprised to see a civilian riding along with the police, but she feels privileged to do it.

Officials say Wheeling is the first city in West Virginia to solidify this type of partnership.

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