The Fullerton Police Department is embarking on an innovative initiative by introducing a pilot program that will revolutionize their response to specific calls. This program will involve the employment of two licensed clinical social workers who will be tasked with addressing domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, and mental health service calls. These social workers will not only have the ability to connect community members with local resources, but they will also provide treatment plans, creating a comprehensive support system. The launch of this program is expected to take place in January.
To make this ambitious project a reality, Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee has allocated a generous sum of $1 million from his OC Board of Supervisors discretionary funds. This funding will facilitate the hiring of the two licensed social workers as well as the purchase of necessary equipment and two vehicles. Chaffee, who has long advocated for community policing during his tenure on the Fullerton City Council, understands the importance of fostering collaboration between law enforcement and citizens.
At a press conference held in Fullerton, CA on Thursday, July 20, 2023, Orange County Supervisor Doug Chaffee officially announced the allocation of $1 million to the Fullerton Police Department. This substantial investment will finance a two-year pilot project introducing social workers who will respond independently or in partnership with FPD officers to specific calls. The event was attended by Associate social worker Hector Varela from the Orange County Health Care Agency, who expressed his support for the initiative.
Chaffee highlighted the significance of implementing such a program, emphasizing that it could have saved lives in the past. Referring to the tragic incident involving Kelly Thomas, a homeless man with mental illness who died after an altercation with Fullerton police officers in 2011, Chaffee expressed his belief that if this program had been in place, Thomas might still be alive today. Chaffee also acknowledged the nationwide calls to defund the police and redirect funds towards social services, but asserted that investing in programs like this was the appropriate solution.
Mayor Fred Jung of Fullerton echoed Chaffee’s sentiments, recognizing the burden placed on law enforcement and the importance of addressing mental health issues. He commended Chaffee and the Board of Supervisors for providing the Fullerton department with an additional tool to compassionately care for the community. Police Chief Robert Dunn expressed excitement about collaborating with social work professionals and learning from their expertise. He stressed the need for the right people and resources to be readily available to those who need them, and praised this program as a step in the right direction. Dunn noted that one of the program’s key objectives is to involve law enforcement as secondary responders when subject matter expertise is more applicable for resolving a call.
Moving forward, the Fullerton Police Department will focus on selecting the most suitable candidates for these positions, establishing their schedules, and determining which calls they should attend. Hector Varela, a behavioral health clinician with the OC Health Care Agency, emphasized the importance of incorporating more social workers into the system. While acknowledging that police officers can sometimes elicit positive responses from clients, he stressed the value of collaboration between law enforcement and other disciplines, such as nurses and psychologists, to provide comprehensive assistance and support.
This groundbreaking program marks a significant shift in the way Fullerton Police Department responds to critical community needs. With the introduction of licensed social workers, individuals requiring assistance for domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, and mental health concerns can expect a more effective and compassionate response. The cooperation between law enforcement and social work professionals promises to pave the way for a more holistic approach to community care and safety.
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