City Council Sets Up Unarmed Crisis Team to Help Those in Need

The council has approved a new plan to establish a Community Responder Unit—a team dedicated to handling emergencies involving mental health, substance use, and homelessness without the use of firearms. The move comes after residents criticized the city’s handling of a recent crisis where police surrounded a man for more than 30 hours.

Key Elements of the Plan

• Unarmed Response: The unit will rely on crisis negotiation and harm‑reduction tactics rather than traditional policing tools.
• Data‑Driven Deployment: The city manager will collaborate with local mental‑health experts and harm‑reduction specialists to analyze emergency calls, ensuring the team is deployed only when truly needed.
• Community‑Centric Approach: Emphasis on building trust with residents and providing compassionate support during crises.

Funding Challenges

• Initial Proposal: $1 million from the general fund.
• Revised Funding Source: Money will be drawn from Fund 205, the city’s leftover balance after paying a $100,000 housing trust and $300,000 for public bathrooms.
• Budget Concerns: Some council members worry that diverting funds from Fund 205 could impact other priorities, especially amid a $3.4 million budget shortfall.
• State Funds Limitation: Although the city received $194,000 from state public‑safety funds, 75 % of that must go to law enforcement, restricting its use for the new team.

Historical Context

• The idea of an unarmed response unit was sparked by a January standoff where a 53‑year‑old man was held for over half a day. Police used flashbangs, tear gas, and heavy equipment, leading neighbors to label the event a “siege.”
• The incident highlighted the need for better crisis negotiation and reduced reliance on force.

Looking Ahead

The council’s resolution aims to improve safety for both citizens in crisis and first responders. Its success will hinge on meticulous budgeting, transparent decision‑making, and sustained community support.