What prompted Baltimore's City Council to review police crisis response?

Two deaths occurred last summer involving individuals experiencing mental health crises and interacting with police, leading to scrutiny of the current response system.

What changes are being considered for Baltimore's mental health crisis response?

The city is looking into faster response times, adding civilian teams for non-violent calls, and offering incentives for mental health professionals.

Who are Dontae Melton Jr. and Pytorcarcha Clark-Brooks?

They are individuals who died last summer following interactions with Baltimore police during mental health crises, highlighting the need for system improvements.

Home / Crime and Justice / Baltimore Police Crisis Response Under Fire After Deaths

Baltimore Police Crisis Response Under Fire After Deaths

16 Jan

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Summary

Two individuals died after interactions with police during mental health crises.
City Council questions timeliness and effectiveness of current crisis teams.
Baltimore considers civilian teams and incentives for social workers.

Baltimore Police Crisis Response Under Fire After Deaths

Baltimore City leaders are urgently addressing the police department's response to mental health crises, spurred by two tragic deaths last summer. Dontae Melton Jr. died in police custody, and Pytorcarcha Clark-Brooks was fatally shot by officers during separate incidents. The City Council is questioning the current crisis response teams' speed and efficacy, demanding immediate action.

Officials are exploring various solutions, including augmenting current teams with clinicians and peers for quicker intervention. They are also considering a dedicated civilian response team for non-criminal, non-violent calls, potentially alongside incentives like student debt relief for social workers and crisis intervention specialists. The goal is to ensure a more responsive and resource-rich system.