City staff in Raleigh have been diligently working on developing an Alternative Response Program, which involves assessing existing services and exploring similar initiatives at both local and national levels. According to the staff, the research conducted highlighted four common aspects typically included in such programs.
The proposed actions include implementing Crisis Call Diversion in the Emergency Communications Department, where three contracted licensed clinicians would assist with mental health-related calls and connect callers to appropriate resources. Additionally, there are plans to establish a Peer Support Team in the Housing and Neighborhoods Department to ensure community members receive timely follow-ups and access to necessary resources.
Furthermore, the recommendation involves continuing the Co-response program through ACORNS in the Raleigh Police Department and collaborating with Wake County and other partners to create a Community Response Team. This team, comprised of social workers, paramedics, and mental health clinicians, would respond to non-violent calls related to quality of life or behavioral health.
The community engagement process for the Alternative Response program included 22 public events and over 1,400 online survey responses, reflecting diverse representation across the city. Themes that emerged from the engagement emphasized the need for a community-centered, trained, compassionate, transparent, and accountable program that operates independently from the Raleigh Police Department.
Looking ahead, these recommendations will be integrated into the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, scheduled for presentation to the Council on May 21. Ongoing community discussions on the topic are expected to continue, with the city collaborating with Wake County and other partners to establish the recommended Community Response Team.
