Salt Lake County Redesigns Mental Health and Public Safety System

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In an op-ed, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson discusses the county's efforts to redesign its approach to mental health and public safety. She acknowledges that for too long, the criminal justice system has been relied upon to respond to behavioral health issues it was not equipped to handle, and outlines a new, more effective system being implemented.

Why it matters

This shift in strategy represents an important recognition that the traditional criminal justice model is not the best way to address mental health and public safety challenges. By taking a more holistic, community-based approach, Salt Lake County aims to provide better outcomes for those in need of support.

The details

The new system being developed in Salt Lake County will involve greater coordination between law enforcement, mental health professionals, and social services to ensure those facing behavioral health crises receive appropriate care and support, rather than being funneled into the criminal justice system. This includes expanding access to crisis intervention training, embedding mental health clinicians with police, and creating dedicated mental health response teams.

• On March 26, 2026, Salt Lake County launched its 'Leifman War Room' effort to address homelessness and criminal justice issues related to mental health.
• The new mental health and public safety system is currently in the implementation phase, with plans to be fully operational by the end of 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The new mental health and public safety system is expected to be fully implemented in Salt Lake County by the end of 2026, with ongoing evaluation and refinement to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community.