Public decisions in Chicago always tend to be not so hot. In two neighborhoods, they’re testing a plan, worth $3.5 million, to send “mental health professionals” (MHP) to certain 911 domestic violence calls. In some cases, the MHP will partner with a policeman and in some cases, especially with drug-overdosing, the MHP and a paramedic will go alone. The model is called “Co-Responder”.
Remember the two policemen, who were killed 1/25/2022 while answering a domestic violence call? Would having a MHP along have made a difference?
It will be up to dispatchers to decide which calls require an MHP. Once there, the MHP and a paramedic will decide if they are going to transport the distressed person to either a mental health clinic, ER or a police precinct. The first is the ideal, “more compassionate” choice. One Chicago social worker said, “It’s about the ‘dignity and worth’ of a person.” For the 2021 budget, the Aldermen of Chicago budgeted $-millions away from law enforcement and gave it to MHP. It MHP test plan began on Sept. 1, 2021. It will be interesting to see how it works out for them!
