Ellsworth police add social worker to team [Video]

As part of the collaboration, the department has added a social worker, Olivia Brown, to its team.

“Some good changes coming,” Brown said.

Brown will respond to mental health-related calls alongside officers. Once the scene is secure, she will conduct screenings, evaluations, and connect individuals to resources.

“We’ve had a need for mental health assistance for a couple years now,” Ellsworth Police Chief Troy Bires said.

Last year alone, the department received 550 calls related to mental health.

“It’s a huge load on our officers,” Bires said.

Ashley Pesek, mobile crisis services manager at AMHC, said the demand for mental health services is growing.

“It’s harder and harder to find therapists, and there are longer waitlists to get into psychiatry,” Pesek said. “The need for that additional support has become really significant.”

AMHC and Ellsworth Police are teaming up to better address those needs.

Through the collaboration, if you call 911 for a …