Public input sought for alternatives to police in mental health response

On Thursday, Winston-Salem residents can weigh in on alternatives to police-only responses to 911 calls. The public input session will be focusing on mental health.

The event co-hosted by Winston Salem State University's Justice Studies program is part of ongoing research. It considers if and how the city should adopt a new protocol for responding to 911 calls relating to mental health crises. For roughly two years the city, in collaboration with RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, analyzed 911 call data to develop recommendations for improving responses by law enforcement and other first responders.

Advocates say that sending police officers to mental health calls can escalate tensions when someone — due to his or her mental state — is unable to comply with demands. They claim a different response would save money and reduce instances of citation, arrest, use of force and incarceration.

According to a press release nearly a dozen cities in the U.S. have already implemented alternative protocols for responding to mental health calls for service — many by utilizing co-response teams that pair police officers with mental health professionals. Greensboro, Raleigh and Charlotte have adopted this model.

The public input session is Thursday, April 7, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber, 101 N. Main St., Winston-Salem.