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Tempe funds program dispatching mental health units for people in crisis

Social workers will respond to nonviolent calls instead of Tempe police

The city of Tempe is funding an innovative new program that leaders hope will go a long way in deescalating mental health calls to 911.

During its regular Jan. 13 meeting, the Tempe City Council approved in a 7-0 vote a resolution to dispatch crisis intervention services when someone calls 911 for a nonviolent mental health issue. The one-year contract will cost the city $75,000, with funding appropriated in the Police Department’s general fund as part of the fiscal year 2021-22 adopted budget.

Councilmember Joel Navarro praised the program preceding the vote as an example of unique ways the city is listening to its community.

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