Data examined by the Associated Press found that at least 14 of the 20 most populated cities in the U.S. either have or are in the process of forming non-police response teams. The combined annual budget across these programs make up $123 million.
Historically, police officers have been sent to individuals experiencing mental health crises, but these programs are sending clinicians and paramedics to find the best option to meet their needs.
“It’s really about meeting the needs of the community and making sure we are sending the right experts, so we can actually solve the problem,” Carleigh Sailon said in the report. Ms. Sailon is a former manager of Denver’s police alternative program, which has been held up as a national model, according to the Washington Post.
