How 911 Data Analysis Reveals Our Overreliance on Police and the Potential of Civilian Crisis Response

• In Event: Using Data and Research to Redefine Public Safety

Abstract

When people feel ill-equipped to resolve health and safety issues on their own, they deserve support, but in many communities, calling 911 for police assistance is the only way to get a timely response. For example, police have long served as default first responders for people experiencing behavioral health crises, even though officer involvement in these situations can cause serious harm.

To better understand what people urgently need from public safety systems—and, by extension, what kinds of responses to 911 calls might effectively address these needs—Vera analyzed publicly available 911 data from nine cities. Building on Vera’s previous research, these analyses show that people typically call 911 for support with issues unrelated to crime or an imminent safety threat, highlighting a widespread overreliance on police. Moreover, as an increasing number of jurisdictions implement civilian crisis response programs, they can meaningfully narrow the scope of policing if they embrace inclusive 911 criteria and answer calls involving a range of behavioral health needs rather than exclusively calls labeled as “mental health” situations.

Author

• Frankie Wunschel, Vera Institute of Justice