INDIANAPOLIS – Officials recently celebrated the inclusion of $2 million for a clinician-led response pilot program in the proposed 2023 City-County operating budget.
In 2016, the City convened a criminal justice task force to assess the effectiveness of existing programs and facilities in Indianapolis. The task force’s review revealed the need for updated facilities, as well as additional resources for non-violent individuals experiencing mental health and substance misuse issues. Insights provided by the criminal justice task force have allowed City leadership to form the Mobile Crisis Assistance Team (MCAT) led by IMPD, implement additional training updates for sworn officers, and open the Assessment and Intervention Center (AIC), a service facility where non-violent offenders with substance and mental health issues are diverted away from costly and ineffective jail time, toward treatment.
In March of 2022, the city committed to budgeting for a clinician-led response team to add to these resources. During an August 8 speech regarding his 2023 budget proposal, Mayor Hogsett announced that $2 million would be included to set up such a team. Last month, representatives from the City and Faith in Indiana visited Denver, Colorado to learn about the STAR program, which proves to be an effective non-law enforcement response to mental health crises through its successes.
If the proposed 2023 budget is passed by the City-County Council in October, the clinician-led pilot is expected to begin early next year. It is expected to include 24-hour coverage by teams made up of mental health clinicians and other experts. Additionally, the budget includes funds to increase mental health expertise at the 911 dispatch call center. Further details are expected to be released closer to the pilot program’s full implementation.
IMPD released the following statement in support of the program: “IMPD fully supports the development of a clinician-led response to mental health calls. IMPD recognizes there are a number of 911 calls that do not involve criminal activity and/or where a police response is not necessary. In these cases, a non-law enforcement approach may be more appropriate. We are hopeful a clinician-led response program will allow community members to receive the type of help they seek.”
