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Statewide Solution? LA Pilot Program Shows Unarmed Civilian Crisis Teams Can Work

September 15, 2025

Los Angeles has been piloting programs that dispatch unarmed civilian crisis responders instead of police to handle nonviolent mental health emergencies. The initiative, which includes "The Unarmed Model of Crisis Response" and "The CIRCLE program," has responded to over 6,700 calls in its first year, saving the LAPD nearly 7,000 hours of patrol time. According to a recent city report, the programs have shown promising results by minimizing potential escalation and addressing mental health crises with compassion and safety.

Who is affected

  • Individuals experiencing mental health crises or drug-related trauma
  • Los Angeles residents requiring welfare checks, assistance with public intoxication, and indecent exposure
  • LAPD officers who can now focus more on traditional law enforcement efforts
  • Crisis response workers including licensed clinicians, social workers, community workers, and therapists
  • Families of individuals in crisis, such as those referenced in the article like Montero Lamar Hill (Lil Nas X)

What action is being taken

  • Unarmed crisis responder teams are being deployed to nonviolent, nonurgent calls for service in Los Angeles
  • Crisis response workers are operating in pairs, responding to calls 24/7
  • The CIRCLE program and Unarmed Model of Crisis Response are operating out of Mayor Karen Bass' office with their own call center
  • California is allocating $3.3 billion in grants for supportive housing facilities under Proposition 1
  • The state is providing $100 million annually to train behavioral health professionals

Why it matters

  • Alternative response methods help prevent tragic outcomes like the 2016 shooting of Alfred Olango during a mental health episode
  • The programs free up police resources, saving nearly 7,000 hours of patrol time
  • Specialized responders can provide more appropriate care for mental health and substance use issues
  • Only 4.1% of calls handled by unarmed responders require police backup
  • These programs represent a shift toward preventing crime through mental health assistance rather than just responding after incidents occur

What's next

  • LA city officials hope to expand the pilot programs as more data proves their effectiveness
  • Additional funds may be allocated to widen response areas
  • The practice may become more common throughout California, aiding law enforcement
  • The state will be bringing thousands of beds in supportive housing facilities online under the Behavioral Health Services Act

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint