alternative response

If passed, the city's public health department would be required to oversee an alternative crisis response team, that would respond to certain emergencies instead of police officers. This could include mental health, welfare checks and calls about substance abuse.

The Columbus Safety Collective Campaign submitted the amendment that would create a division that would respond to non-dangerous calls, without police presence.

The Community Housing Network said it will provide addresses to Columbus police for places that may require an emergency response from the city's alternative crisis response teams.

Columbus City Council's Public Safety Committee provided an update into several of the city's "alternative response teams" that they hope can be alternatives to police.

For the past few months, Columbus has placed a social worker in the 911-dispatch unit to help triage calls for service. At the surface level, the program aims to divert calls away from police, but in a broader sense the initiative is meant to better diagnose what callers really need and to de-escalate volatile situations before first responders arrive.

Columbus officials announced the results of a new 911 alternative response pilot program.

Columbus is trying out an alternative response program to steer some 911 calls away from the police.

The state of Ohio now has a new tool for dealing with cases of child abuse and neglect. Crystal Ward Allen directs the Public Childrens Services…