Unarmed Crisis Responders Show Promise in Los Angeles 911 System
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Los Angeles is testing a groundbreaking approach to emergency response,shifting away from traditional reliance on armed law enforcement for certain 911 calls. A new city report reveals encouraging early results from a program dispatching specially trained, unarmed civilians to address non-violent mental health crises and related situations.
A New Model for Crisis Intervention
For years, Los Angeles residents experiencing mental health emergencies frequently enough encountered firefighters or police officers as first responders. Though,a growing consensus recognizes the limitations of this approach,particularly the potential for escalation and harm. The Unarmed Model of Crisis Response,launched in march 2024,aims to provide a more compassionate and effective alternative.
The program deploys teams comprised of licensed clinicians, social workers, community workers, and therapists, working in pairs around the clock. These teams respond to calls involving welfare checks, public intoxication, and indecent exposure, among others. The initiative is a direct response to public frustration over the city’s handling of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health, issues that have led to numerous use-of-force incidents involving the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Did You Know? Approximately one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness in a given year, highlighting the critical need for specialized crisis response systems ([National Institute of mental Health](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness)).
Key Findings from the First Year
Over its first year, the program handled more than 6,700 calls, averaging roughly 40 per day.The report indicates that this has already saved the LAPD nearly 7,000 hours of patrol time, allowing officers to focus on traditional law enforcement duties. This is particularly meaningful as the LAPD continues to struggle with recruitment and staffing shortages.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Calls Handled (Year 1) | 6,700+ |
| Average Calls Per Day | ~40 |
| Police Patrol Time Saved | ~7,000 hours |
| Police Backup Required | <4.1% of calls |
| Average Response Time | 28 minutes |
Despite initial skepticism about the ability of unarmed civilians to handle perhaps volatile situations, the report found that police backup was required in fewer than 4.1% of cases.These instances typically involved individuals requesting an officer’s presence or possessing weapons.
the Unarmed Model operates alongside the CIRCLE program, which functions independently with its own call centre and designated service areas. Both initiatives reflect a broader national movement to reimagine emergency response and redirect law enforcement funding, spurred by the 2020 murder of George Floyd.
Challenges and Future Outlook
While the Los Angeles program shows promise, scaling up such initiatives faces challenges. The Los Angeles Fire Department previously discontinued a similar psychiatric mobile response team due to its failure to alleviate strain on first responders or hospital emergency rooms. another plan to utilize unarmed Transportation Department workers for traffic stops remains stalled.
Pro Tip: Effective crisis intervention requires de-escalation techniques, active listening, and a thorough understanding of mental health conditions. Training programs for crisis responders should emphasize these skills.
Despite these hurdles, advocates remain optimistic. City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez emphasized the program’s cost-effectiveness and potential to save lives, stating, “This data proves that care-first approaches work-they keep people safe, cost less, and prevent the expensive liabilities that drain our budget year after year.” Godfrey Plata, of LA Forward, highlighted the program’s importance in preparing for major events like the upcoming World Cup and Olympics.
The program currently operates in six police divisions: Devonshire, Wilshire, Southeast, West L.A., Olympic, and West Valley. The city is considering further expansion, particularly as it anticipates increased demands on emergency services during large-scale events.
In 2025,LAPD officers have shot 27 people,with at least a third of those incidents involving individuals experiencing a behavioral crisis. This statistic underscores the urgent need for alternative response models.
What are your thoughts on shifting some 911 responsibilities away from armed police officers? Do you believe this model could be effective in your community?
The Rise of Alternative Crisis Response
The movement towards alternative crisis response models is gaining momentum nationwide. Driven by concerns about police brutality,racial disparities in the criminal justice system,and the limitations of traditional law enforcement in addressing mental health crises,cities and counties across the U.S. are experimenting with various approaches. These include mobile crisis teams, co-responder models (pairing officers with mental health professionals), and fully unarmed crisis responders like the program in Los Angeles. The success of these programs hinges on adequate funding, complete training, and strong collaboration between law enforcement, mental health providers, and community organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an unarmed crisis responder? an unarmed crisis responder is a trained civilian professional-such as a social worker or mental health clinician-who responds to 911 calls involving mental health crises or non-violent disturbances.
- What types of calls do unarmed responders handle? They typically respond to welfare checks, reports of public intoxication, and situations involving individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, as long as there are no weapons or immediate threats of violence.
- How dose this program benefit the police? By handling non-violent calls,unarmed responders free up police officers to focus on more serious crimes and emergencies,improving overall public safety.
- Is this program safe for responders? The report indicates a very low rate of requiring police backup, suggesting the program is generally safe for responders. Teams are trained in de-escalation techniques and prioritize their own safety.
- What is the CIRCLE program? The CIRCLE program is another crisis response initiative operating in Los Angeles, functioning independently with its own call center and service areas.
Disclaimer: This article provides facts about a public health and safety initiative. It is not intended to provide medical or legal advice. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 988 or your local emergency services.
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