Authorities in south Lake County are implementing a pilot program to help people who have a mental illness.
The program is called the Mobile Crisis Response Service.
In a few months, a licensed clinician will be responding with Clermont police officers to help when dealing with people who have a mental illness.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and Clermont Police partnered with LifeStream Behavioral Center. They held a joint news conference Tuesday morning.
Officers also demonstrated an encounter with a person in a mental-health crisis through a virtual demonstration.
"We're reducing fear of people with mental illness, we’re reducing fear of law enforcement in people with mental illness by building that partnership," said LifeStream Behavioral Center Director Karen Rogers.
The three-year program is one of 34 nationwide funded by a $250,000 grant. The program will eventually be expanded to Minneola.