Photo: Spokesman Review
The Alternative Response Pilot Program in Columbus, Ohio, has been so successful that officials plan to increase its hours of operation and build additional triage and follow-up units. The "Triage Pod" -- made up of a social worker, emergency communications dispatcher and paramedic -- cuts down police involvement in mental health, drug addiction or other social issues in emergency situations. Of calls received, 62.5 percent did not need immediate police or fire department intervention; 48 percent were resolved by the dispatcher or redirected to local community resources. If law enforcement was needed, the Pod provided de-escalation and pre-arrival information. This pilot led to more follow-up for residents in need of resources, no one going to jail and better deployment of taxpayer dollars," City Council president Shannon Hardin said.
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