SMART Community Policing Act

Key Points

• This bill expands what federal COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant money can pay for by adding three new categories: mobile crisis teams, co-responder programs, and case management outreach teams. All three focus on helping people experiencing mental health crises without relying solely on traditional law enforcement.
• Mobile crisis teams would include mental health professionals and paramedics who respond to 911 calls at the request of police or when community members ask for help directly. These teams can also use mobile units to reach people in the community who are in crisis.
• Co-responder programs pair a trained police officer with a behavioral health clinician or paramedic to de-escalate mental health situations, connect people with services, and provide more effective responses than an officer working alone.
• Case management and outreach teams would follow up with people after a crisis to help them stick with treatment plans and connect with resources like jobs, school, and training. The goal is to cut down on repeat emergency calls from the same individuals.
• The bill's stated purpose is to de-escalate encounters between police and non-violent individuals dealing with mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders, aiming for better outcomes for both communities and officers.