Baltimore shifts 911 response after police shooting
Baltimore is expanding its Mental Health diversion program after a police shooting involving a woman wielding a knife sparked renewed scrutiny of how the city responds to Mental Health crises. A $1 million federal grant will fuel the expansion, aiming to reroute emergency calls to Mental Health professionals instead of law enforcement.
The incident that triggered change
The incident, occurring on January 19th, involved Autumn Elizabeth Denny, a 48-year-old woman experiencing a Mental Healthcrisis and reportedly carrying a knife. Police responded to the apartment complex on Park Avenue, and after Denny refused to disarm herself, officers discharged their weapons, striking her in the leg. Denny received medical attention, but the event highlighted a critical vulnerability in Baltimore’s emergency response system.
Congressman Kwesi Mfume, advocating for the federal funding, pointed to a nationwide trend of “responses going haywire” when police are dispatched to situations demanding a broader range of support. The aim, he stated, is to provide “the most appropriate response” to every call, not simply the default option.
Expanding the 911 diversion program
The new grant will allow Baltimore's 911 Diversion Program, launched in June 2021, to significantly broaden its scope. Dispatchers will now be equipped to deploy counselors and social workers to calls involving drug abuse and other Mental Health-related emergencies, alongside those traditionally handled by police. Mayor Brandon Scott, emphasizing the program's potential, envisions it becoming a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
Stephanie Maaronis, Director of the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (MONSE), described the funding as unlocking “a world of possibilities,” with ongoing discussions underway with the police department, the Mayor's Office of Overdose Response, and community partners. MONSE is currently finalizing plans for a comprehensive alternative response framework, which will be presented in the near future.
The program's expansion isn't merely about adding resources; it’s a fundamental shift in approach. As Mayor Scott articulated, the goal is to provide “the most appropriate response.not what's available, but the most appropriate.” It’s a recognition that not every 911 call necessitates a law enforcement intervention, and that a more nuanced, compassionate response can often yield better outcomes.
The $1 million grant represents more than just financial assistance; it signifies a commitment to reimagining public safety—a commitment that Baltimore hopes will resonate far beyond its city limits, potentially influencing similar programs in neighboring counties where similar tragedies have unfolded.