Activists push for more alternatives to police via the ballot
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Columbus activists are pursuing a November ballot issue to enhance emergency services for residents in crisis — but first, they need to fix a paperwork issue.
Why it matters: The city has launched a handful of "alternative crisis response" programs connecting 911 callers to resources beyond police, such as social workers and experts in mental health and addiction.
- The proposal would amend the city charter to take further steps, including requiring 24/7 services.
How it works: Columbus Safety Collective, the group proposing the change, needs to collect nearly 25,000 resident signatures by July 7 to put it to a citywide vote.
- If approved, the amendment would establish a Division of Community Response within the Department of Public Safety, plus a community advisory board.
Yes, but: The group can't start collecting signatures just yet. A petition recently filed with the city needed to include five "qualified electors" from Columbus, but just four met the criteria, city attorney spokesperson Pete Shipley tells Axios.
- Volunteer Helen Anne Sweeney tells us they're fixing the "technicality" and remain committed to a Nov. 4 vote.
The big picture: Alternatives to police response are gaining traction nationwide, with a goal of de-escalating violence, better serving residents' needs and freeing up first responders to respond to crime.
- Sweeney says the proposal would streamline city services for better "continuum of care."
Follow the money: The amendment would require the city allocate at least $5 million to fund the changes starting in 2027 and $12 million by 2031, but it would not seek new taxes from voters.
- The city would determine where the funding would come from.
Zoom in: Columbus has budgeted $7.6 million for its alternative response programs in 2025.
- That includes the Right Response Unit, which embeds a social worker in the 911 call center (8:30am-midnight on weekdays), and the Mobile Crisis Response Unit, which sends specially trained police officers and Columbus Public Health clinicians to appropriate calls (10am-midnight daily).
- There's also SPARC, which assists repeat 911 callers, and RREACT, which helps people experiencing addiction.
- Mission Critical Partners, an outside consultant, is currently assessing all the programs, with a final report expected later this year.
Friction point: Petitioners want a mobile crisis option without police, and the consultant is reviewing that "potential."
The other side: In a statement, public safety director Kate McSweeney-Pishotti said city leaders are "committed to continuous improvement" and looking forward to Mission Critical Partners' recommendations.
- "I have consistently championed alternative crisis response and appreciate the Columbus Safety Collective's advocacy," Council President Shannon Hardin said in a statement, which noted he's "still studying the petition language."
What's next: Expect to see volunteers gathering signatures at public events this spring, Sweeney says.