Columbus voters could create police-free 911 options
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
When Columbus residents in crisis dial 911 in a few years, their options for help will look different if a ballot measure passes in May.
Why it matters: The city charter amendment would establish a 24/7 program connecting some callers to resources beyond police, such as social workers and experts in mental and behavioral health.
- It would also, for the first time, enable those teams to respond to nonviolent calls without a police officer joining them.
Catch up quick: The city already has some alternative response programs but they're not 24/7, so coverage gaps exist, a recent review from consultant Mission Critical Partners found.
- Activists have pushed for more coverage for years, but this is their first attempt at a citywide vote.
- The goal is to unite and expand existing services under a new "department, division or office," while also creating an advisory board, per the ballot language.
The big picture: Supporters say police-free alternatives better meet callers' needs and reduce unnecessary police interactions, which sometimes escalate into violence.
- These programs have gained traction in many places since George Floyd's death in 2020.
- Early research suggests they're successfully connecting people to care but are struggling to scale.
- Columbus would be the first U.S. city to enshrine a program in its charter, campaign organizer Emily Cole tells Axios.
The intrigue: City officials and the Columbus Safety Collective compromised on the May 5 local ballot language and jointly kicked off the campaign. It doesn't appear to have any organized opposition.
- The deal included $1 million in new funding, for $8.8 million total in this year's budget.
Yes, but: That's still less than an eventual $12 million commitment petitioners sought in an initial proposal.
- The final, agreed-upon ballot language does not specify funding amounts.
What they're saying: "We wanted to work in partnership with the city on implementation, to ensure this program is fully scaled and fully available for anyone in Columbus to get the care they need," Cole says.
What's next: The goal is to expand the program by 2028 and have it fully operational by 2030.
- Early and absentee voting is underway. The primary election is May 5.