Clearfield proposes statewide pilot for uniformed mental‑health officers to reduce repeat crisis calls

Clearfield City officials asked the Criminal Justice Appropriations Subcommittee to fund a three‑year pilot that would place trained mental‑health officers in uniform with participating police agencies to reduce repeat mental‑health crisis calls, provide follow‑up and improve diversion to treatment.

Chief Kelly Bennett, Clearfield Police Department, described the proposal and its aims.

Why the pilot was proposed

“We are increasingly responding to more and more mental‑health calls, specifically repeated calls to individuals who are in crisis,” Chief Kelly Bennett told the committee. He described cases in which repeated contacts escalate and said a dedicated, trained officer who builds sustained relationships with individuals can improve de‑escalation and referrals to treatment. Bennett described the pilot as a way to…