Mental health clinicians will start answering some 911 calls in Chicago, instead of cops – Fox Chicago

"We’re super excited," said Alex Heaton, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s policy advisor for public safety. "This is a brand new workforce for the city, and it’s an exciting opportunity to use a public health approach for people likely to come in contact with the first responder system."  
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The Kingfish
4 years ago

Didn’t know that Richard Simmons was still around.

Ben T Henry
4 years ago

Heaton needs to be the one sent out on the first bat shirt crazy call.

Freddy
4 years ago

Hello! This is 911. Before I can help I must ask you a few questions.
Are you fluent in CRT?
Have you taken the the mandatory LBGTQ classes?
Are you familiar with the new Asian-American history/contributions mandate?
Can you draw a Parallelogram and icosahedron?
Are you vaccinated?
What gender do you identify as?
Now. What is the nature of your emergency?
Caller! CLICK!!!

The Paraclete
4 years ago

Hmmmmm, Handsome, like Warren Oates!

The True Believer
4 years ago

This will end badly. These dope head lunatics will not follow the instructions of these sjw enablers. The program will end quickly when a drunk dope addict who refuses to take orders with a bat, knife or a gun in his pocket will kill the “clinicians.” And what are the qualifications for these jobs? It’s probably city of Chicago patronage. The problem with dealing with most of these individuals is that they refuse to take orders or follow instructions from any law enforcement. Look at Mike Brown, George Floyd, Trayvon, garner and on and on.

Asbestoast
4 years ago

911 operators under OEMC should be focused on the information reported, not the restorative care to the caller’s well-being. I predict many intrusive well being visits by police following holiday dinner arguments at Karen’s house.

Illinois Entrepreneur
4 years ago

I actually agree with this approach — assuming they are sincere and actually using the data, not spinning it when it comes, just to claim a victory. Employing a pilot test and then seeing if it works is a good way to go. I believe there is an epidemic of mental illness in this country. As a result I think there are many instances that could have been deescalated by not approaching everything as if the police are the hammer, and the caller is a nail. Conservatives should not fall into the trap of thinking that the police are these… Read more »

Platinum Goose
4 years ago

Chicago does a really bad job with mental health issues as evidenced by the large number of homeless people. Here’s the problem with this program “help stabilize you and connect you with follow-up resources”. If you leave it up to the individual I doubt they will seek follow up care. And if you think anyone in the city is going to follow up then that’s wishful thinking.

Illinois Entrepreneur
4 years ago
Reply to  Platinum Goose

Undoubtedly, but if the initial confrontation is reduced from a police shooting of a troubled individual to someone that can instead by calmed down by a professional in mental health, then I’m all for it.

All I’m saying is that it’s worth a try, because what we are doing is not working. And I don’t think police particularly enjoy this part of the work.

Like you, I make no assertions on the long-term impact for any individuals, other than that their life might be saved from any given tragic confrontation.

debtsor
4 years ago

There’s a recent video floating around out there of a Chicago cop responding to a mentally disturbed individual pointing a gun at his mother and the cop literally ran down the stairs and away, and let the mother handle it herself. The adult child put the gun down eventually and all was OK. The cop had every right to shoot the guy but he would be charged with murder and get bad press; but if he ran away, at worst, he gets dereliction of duty and gets fired or whatever, but no imprisoned. Luckily it all worked for everyone involved.

Jim Bowman
4 years ago

And when the guy comes at them with a baseball bat? Some powerful talking will be in order.

susan
4 years ago

This seems to greatly expand liability for taxpayers (and clinicians not sufficiently indemnified by taxpayer funded malpractice insurance).
There is a Standard of Care expectation for healthcare professionals which is not the burden of non-medical professionals.

What is the liability coverage amount per incident? Who is insuring or reinsuring this brand-new liability?

Illinois Entrepreneur
4 years ago
Reply to  susan

As opposed to police officers having no choice but to shoot a mentally ill person in self defense? That’s potentially a multi-million dollar liability.

I’m not saying that you’re wrong, but this is going to be about trying to have less liability, not none. This new protocol might replace an existing liability, versus add to one.

The question is which one is more expensive.

Ambiguous End
4 years ago

The photo of Alex Heaton, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s policy advisor for public safety, gives me great confidence.

Curious Observer
4 years ago
Reply to  Ambiguous End

Was the photo before or after the sex change?

The Paraclete
4 years ago

Clinicians? Where will the memorial be constructed?

How about John Kass? I think his balls finally dropped. He’s getting his retirement exercise by eye slapping Lori.

Rick
4 years ago

They will be armed I hope.

LessonLearned
4 years ago

“This is the 911 emergency hotline. What is the nature of the emergency?”
“Help. My mom’s boyfriend is hitting her.”
“And how does that make you feel?”

Joey Zamboni
4 years ago

I predict that, like happens with an EMS response to a dangerous event, the *clinicians* will stage nearby as the police go in first to secure the scene…

NoHope4Illinois
4 years ago

All due respect, what is that!?

Fed up neighbor
4 years ago

What’s is that, another fleecing of Illinois tax payers money.

Curious Observer
4 years ago

It will be quite interesting to see how the social justice warriors who sign up for this program will react. Will they just allow an enraged EDP beat them? At what point will they call for police to save them from the uncontrollable rage exhibited by an EDP or drug addict? How will the PD respond? Will they risk their own lives, jobs, and homes to try to clean up the dangerous situation which possibly has been worsened by an SJW sent by the city? Perhaps the best advice might be go slow and write a good report. Who will… Read more »

bb
4 years ago

Good luck! LOL

rick1099
4 years ago

Sit back and watch the fun folks as the mental health squad has to deal with a psycho who has decided to stab, slash or shoot. How long will it take before one of these “experts” is butchered in the stairway of some slum building?

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