Baltimore reviews police response to mental health crises

Baltimore City Council is reviewing how police respond to mental health crises after two people died following encounters with officers last summer; officials are considering civilian response teams and expect cost estimates in about three weeks.

Baltimore City Council is reviewing how the police department responds to mental health crises after two deaths last summer. Council members raised questions about the timeliness and effectiveness of the city's crisis response teams. City officials say crisis teams are currently deployed for mental health calls but agree response speed and resources need attention. The mayor's office said it will provide cost estimates in the next three weeks and the Baltimore City Behavioral Health Collaborative will meet at the end of the month. Key points: - Two people died after encounters with police during behavioral health crises last summer, including Dontae Melton Jr., who died in police custody, and Pytorcarcha Clark-Brooks, who died following a police response. - City leaders questioned whether existing crisis response teams are reaching scenes quickly enough and discussed adding a civilian response team for nonviolent, noncriminal calls. - The mayor's office will compile cost estimates for proposed changes in about three weeks, and the Baltimore City Behavioral Health Collaborative will review crisis response at its meeting later this month. - The Maryland Attorney General's office announced it would not prosecute the officers who responded in the Melton Jr. case. Summary: City officials and the council are examining changes that could alter how mental health calls are handled, including alternative civilian teams and incentives for crisis workers. Investigations and administrative decisions have already been announced, and the city expects cost estimates soon as the collaborative reviews options at its upcoming meeting.