Clemson University Police Implementing Law Enforcement Behavioral Response Program

The Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) has been awarded a $549,991 grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) FY22 Connect and Protect: Law Enforcement Behavioral Response Program. The funds will be used to employ two mental health clinicians this fall who will work with police officers during mental health calls.

The clinicians will be dispatched immediately to handle mental health crisis calls and evaluate the person to determine if they need treatment or resources. CUPD hopes this approach will prevent people from being sent to jail or the hospital unnecessarily.

The clinicians can also assist in calls with the Clemson City Police Department and law enforcement agencies in Anderson, Pickens and Oconee County.