Governor Glenn Youngkin, along with Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Valley Health leaders, state officials, and community partners, marked the launch of Virginia’s first hospital-based Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP) program in Winchester. The event took place at Valley Health on September 3, 2025.
The SCOP program is a key component of Governor Youngkin’s “Right Help, Right Now” behavioral health initiative. It focuses on improving crisis response for individuals under Emergency Custody Orders (ECOs) and Temporary Detention Orders (TDOs). By credentialing hospital security staff as SCOPs, custody can be transferred from law enforcement to trained professionals within hospitals. This aims to provide more appropriate care environments for patients and allows law enforcement officers to return sooner to their public safety duties.
“Virginia is pioneering a first-of-its-kind approach to responding to behavioral health crises,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Through the SCOPs program, we are ensuring patients in crisis receive compassionate care in the right environment while working side-by-side with law enforcement to keep our communities safe. Valley Health is demonstrating the impact of this model, and together we are building a stronger, more responsive system for the Commonwealth.”
Since its launch on August 19, Valley Health’s SCOPs have assumed custody of several individuals needing behavioral health support. In its initial days, the program supported 10 people and saved 97.5 hours of law enforcement time. Full-time operation around the clock is expected by December 2025.
“The Special Conservator of the Peace program is a game changer,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “By integrating specially trained SCOPs into the hospital environment, we are giving patients dignity and care in the right setting, while making sure our law enforcement partners can focus on their mission of keeping communities safe. This is collaboration at its best.”
“Governor Youngkin made a commitment to law enforcement to get them back in their communities, and today, he is delivering on that promise,” said Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Nelson Smith. “This program allows them to get back to their community and provides a more therapeutic experience in our crisis system.”
The local name for this initiative is Mental Health Custody and Transport (MCAT), operating under a $1.1 million contract with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). The funding supports up to 18 full-time SCOPs, two specialized transport vehicles, and additional drivers for trauma-informed transportation under ECOs, TDOs, or Alternative Transportation Orders.
“Right Help, Right Now is about delivering solutions that work in real time,” said Hallie Pence, Executive Director of Right Help, Right Now. “The SCOPs program demonstrates that Virginia can provide safer, more compassionate care for patients while working alongside law enforcement to create stronger outcomes for everyone involved. Valley Health’s leadership is helping set the model for the future.”
Kris Maddalena, Chief Nursing Officer at Valley Health Winchester Medical Center stated: “The launch of the SCOPs program at Valley Health marks a meaningful and forward-thinking step for our community… By working together, we’re building a stronger, more caring system—one that prioritizes both public safety and the well-being of every person we serve.”
Senator Timmy French commented: “Today’s ceremony is the realization of the hard work and dedication of many in order to help those who have found themselves in extremely difficult circumstances.”
Delegate Bill Wiley added: “We are blessed to be on the cutting edge of addressing mental health. I am so honored to play a role in an issue that has affected families and friends throughout the Commonwealth… I am looking forward to hearing success stories in our community.”
The introduction of hospital-based SCOPs builds upon other efforts within “Right Help, Right Now,” such as expanding 988 crisis call services statewide and establishing mobile crisis teams operating continuously across Virginia.
Previously individuals under ECO or TDO often waited extended periods—sometimes days—in emergency departments before placement could occur; during this time law enforcement was required to remain with them instead of performing regular duties elsewhere. With specially trained hospital-based officers now credentialed by DCJS taking over custody responsibilities as part of therapeutic care teams funded by nearly $19 million from current state budgets—with up to $10 million specifically available for hospital contracts—the process aims for smoother transitions into appropriate care settings while reducing demands on police resources.
