Howell: For the last three years,the Howell Police has had a mental health professional embedded in our department?

Well before the latest national focus on social justice, reform and calls for social workers to replace police, Chief Kudrick recognized the need for a quicker response to the growing mental health crisis within our community.

We introduce Mike Pfaff, MSW – a psychiatric screener assigned by Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health.

Prior to this partnership with RWJB,a screener responded from Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch. Now, assistance is only minutes away.

Mike responds to incidents on this side of Monmouth County. He works directly with our officers. This results in a quicker resolution to encounters that could potentially turn bad for all those involved. Mike has definitely assisted in de-escalating highly emotional situations.

We thank RWJB for this partnership. Together we are committed to this community.