Emergency dispatchers responding to calls from Phoenix residents now ask if the caller needs a behavioral health expert in addition to — or in lieu of — a police officer or firefighter.
The move came after the Phoenix City Council voted to adopt various measures aiming to address “modernizing public safety services and expanding community-focused support,” according to the city.
Allie Edwards, a communications bureau administrator for the department, told The Arizona Republic that 911 operators have been trained to listen for keywords and ask questions that would illuminate whether a behavioral health specialist is appropriate or if a police officer should be part of the response as well…