NBC4: Proposed ballot initiative would establish 24/7 alternative police response in Columbus

Columbus residents could vote this November on whether the city establishes a division to dispatch nonpolice professionals, such as therapists and social workers, to respond to certain 911 calls.

The Columbus Safety Collective Campaign – led by multiple advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, Ohio Voice, Working Families Party Ohio, and Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change (OFUPAC) – intends to put a city charter amendment before voters on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

The amendment would establish a community crisis division within the Columbus Department of Public Safety. The division would be made up of nonpolice professionals who would respond to emergency calls that do not involve “imminent danger” or the “substantial risk of death or bodily harm.”

Read the full article on the NBC4 website!