Summary
The city is building a video-based response system so mental health and other low-acuity calls can be handled by clinicians by phone or video instead of police or fire response. Around 15,000 MPD calls a year could be diverted, and the MFD already used video response to resolve 30 flood calls in one hour.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 1
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 21, 2026.
Impact analysis
A full in-person alternative response system could cost $14–26 million a year like other cities' programs, which is why the city is starting with a low-cost (~$400/user) video model.
People in mental health crisis, their families, and overloaded 911 call takers who want better options than sending an armed officer.
Mentions & discussions (1)
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