CLEVELAND — Cleveland’s 911 dispatchers may soon have a new option for callers seeking help. After much discussion, city leaders are close to implementing “Tanisha’s Law,” which would send mental health professionals instead of police to certain emergencies.
The city had been slow to act on this legislation for about a year. Recently, Mayor Justin Bibb and the City Council reached a compromise. This plan aims to ensure that people experiencing mental health crises receive the compassionate care they need. If all goes well, the council will vote on the law during its next meeting on January 26.
Tanisha’s Law is named after Tanisha Anderson, who tragically died after Cleveland police restrained her during a mental health episode in 2014. Instead of offering care, police intervened with a physical arrest. Her death led to significant changes in how emergency responses are viewed, highlighting the need for specialized care in mental health crises.
Currently, the Cleveland Division of Police has a “crisis” response, where officers trained in de-escalation tackle such situations. Additionally, there are “co-response” teams comprising police and mental health professionals, primarily for follow-ups. However, the proposed care response would allow clinicians to respond directly without police presence.
Experts in mental health advocacy argue this approach is crucial. They note that many individuals in crisis often feel threatened by police presence, which can escalate situations rather than resolve them. Additionally, freeing police from these specific calls allows them to focus more on crime-related duties.
The new plan includes forming a Bureau of Community Crisis Response within EMS, hiring a deputy commissioner to oversee it, and ensuring 911 callers have another option besides police, fire, or EMS. It’s a step towards a more holistic approach to crisis management.
While there are still some disagreements about the details, many city leaders believe it’s vital to move forward. They emphasize that the welfare of Cleveland residents should take precedence, even if further analysis of 911 calls is pending.
Historically, mental health responses in emergency situations have often fallen short. According to a report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 50% of individuals killed by police in the U.S. have a mental health condition. That’s a stark reminder of why this legislation could be a game-changer for how such emergencies are handled.
Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones, who supports the legislation, believes immediate action is necessary. The initial budget for the program is estimated at $800,000 annually, rising to $4 million when fully operational.
In a city like Cleveland, where many residents struggle with mental health issues, this law could usher in an era of more compassionate care. As urban areas grapple with rising mental health crises, other cities may look to Cleveland’s example as they reconsider their emergency response strategies.
For more information on Tanisha’s Law and its developments, you can visit Cleveland.com.
