WASHINGTON, May 27 -- Sen. Michael Bennet issued the following press release:
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Jason Crow reintroduced the Supporting Mental Assistance Responder Teams (SMART) Community Policing Act during National Mental Health Awareness Month.
The legislation would provide dedicated funds for collaborative partnerships between law enforcement, health professionals, case managers, and outreach teams to improve public safety and connect people with mental health services and community resources. Instead of treating situations primarily as criminal matters, the goal is to stabilize the person, reduce escalation, and connect them with care.
"Too often, people experiencing a mental health crisis...