Data-Driven Justice and Stepping Up Initiative: Coordinating a System Response to 911 Dispatch

Improving crisis response with strategies that divert those with behavioral health needs to appropriate care has become a primary area of focus for both county and city law enforcement. Innovative dispatch strategies include co-responder models with mental health clinicians, mobile crisis teams, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement officers or a combination of all three. NACo, in collaboration with its Stepping Up partners and Data Driven Justice network, hosted a discussion on 911 dispatch intervention strategies with a special emphasis on data collection, screening and practical local approaches to resolving 911 calls safely without unnecessary justice system involvement.

Speakers:

• Chiara Jaranilla, Crisis Call Diversion Program Manager, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
• S. Rebecca Neusteter, PHD, Executive Director, Health Lab, University of Chicago
• Lora Ueland, Executive Director, Valley Com 911
• Charlie Verploegh, PHD, Assistant Director, Department of Behavioral Health Services, Bernalillo County, N.M.