Doug Chaffee, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, delivered a presentation to the Fullerton City Council on February 17, 2026, outlining the origins, progress, and future of a behavioral health-focused community policing program in the city.

Chaffee traced the program’s roots back nearly a decade to discussions about strengthening trust between law enforcement and residents. He noted that earlier efforts to implement such reforms were complicated by the aftermath of the 2011 murder of Kelly Thomas by police officers, which led to significant legal and financial consequences for the city, including a $7 million settlement. In the years that followed, national debates over policing — including calls to shift funding away from police departments toward social services — further shaped the conversation.

Chaffee said he came to believe that integrating social services directly into police departments, rather than separating them, could better address community needs. After joining the county, he explored partnerships through Orange County Behavioral Health and connected with CSU, Fullerton, to help develop a new model.

Working alongside then-Police Chief Bob Dunn and then-Captain Jon Radus — now the city’s police chief — the city established a program embedding behavioral health specialists within the Fullerton Police Department.
Unlike traditional models that rely on outside contractors, Fullerton’s behavioral health specialists are department employees who work directly with officers.

“The statistics I’m seeing are beyond my expectations,” Chaffee said.

Data provided by Fullerton Police Department’s Public Information Officer Kristy Wells shows that the program is having a measurable impact. From November 2024 through December 2025, Behavioral Health Co-Responders handled 1,011 calls for service.

Of those mental health-related calls, 43% resulted in a formal mental health evaluation, ensuring individuals in crisis received immediate clinical assessment and intervention. Twelve percent led to a hospital hold when a higher level of care was necessary.

In total, resources and referrals were provided in 887 cases, meaning the vast majority of contacts resulted in direct support, service connection, or follow-up care. The data indicate that nearly half of crisis calls led to on-scene clinical evaluation, with appropriate escalation to hospital treatment when required, and a strong emphasis on connecting individuals to ongoing support.

The program also introduced distinct uniforms and vehicles to reduce the stigma sometimes associated with patrol car responses. Chaffee outlined three primary goals: expanding access to specialized services for residents in crisis; improving public and officer safety by allowing police to focus on law enforcement duties; and supporting officer well-being by reducing stress associated with complex social service calls.

“We don’t want stressed-out officers out on patrol,” he said, emphasizing the importance of mental health support within the department.

According to Chaffee, early results have exceeded expectations. He also announced plans to submit the program for statewide recognition through the California State Association of Counties, which represents all 58 counties in California.“There’s a statewide recognition coming, so all of you can be proud of what’s happening here,” he told the council, encouraging continued local support.

Mayor Jung praised Chaffee’s leadership. “Credit goes to you, Mr. Chairman, for the program, certainly for funding it and carrying it through. We are truly grateful in the city,” he said.

Councilmember Ahmad Zahra raised concerns about gaps in nighttime services for individuals experiencing homelessness, noting that shelters often lack evening intake and officers have limited options for medical referrals after hours.

Chaffee responded that behavioral health specialists primarily provide referrals rather than direct treatment, but said additional help may be forthcoming. He referenced a proposed “street medicine” initiative under consideration through CalOptima Health — formerly known as the Orange County Health Care Agency’s CalOptima program — in partnership with 12 North Orange County cities (North SPA). If approved, the program would initially be funded by CalOptima Health and become self-sustaining over time. Chaffee said he anticipates the street medicine program could launch by the end of the year.

Councilmember Shana Charles commended Chaffee for prioritizing public health approaches in public safety policy, citing previous efforts such as gun buyback initiatives. She also expressed support for expanding partnerships through the Hope Center and local nonprofit organizations.

Chaffee added that discussions are underway with CSU, Fullerton, about placing master’s-level interns within the police department to assist with administrative work and gain firsthand exposure to modern policing practices. He suggested the program could serve as a model for other jurisdictions.

Councilmember Jamie Valencia, a nurse, praised the inclusion of behavioral health specialists in field responses, calling the program “refreshing” and thanking those involved for their work.

Chaffee closed by emphasizing the distinction between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, stressing that Fullerton officers “are not ICE by any means” and remain focused on serving and building trust within the community.

As the program continues to expand and gain recognition, city leaders signaled their intent to maintain support for what they described as an innovative and evolving model of community policing.