Civilian Police Review Board backs May charter amendment to create civilian crisis response system

The Civilian Police Review Board voted to publicly support a proposed charter amendment on the May ballot that would create a community crisis response system integrated into the city’s 911 dispatch system and staffed by trained non‑police crisis responders.

Dr. Jones read proposed amendment language the board considered: the measure would create a community crisis response system integrated into 911 that enables non‑police community crisis workers — social workers, behavioral‑health professionals, peer supporters and EMTs — to meet the needs of residents experiencing behavioral health crises and would establish an advisory board to evaluate and guide the system.

Supporters on the board said the program, which city council placed on the May ballot after advocacy from the Columbus Safety Collective, would expand civilian crisis‑response capacity and add teams beyond the city’s currently limited staffing. Dr. Ford described the measure as vetted on budget and supported by multiple stakeholders including unions and advocacy groups.

The board voted to adopt a formal resolution endorsing the charter amendment and to make a public statement of support.

Why it matters: the amendment proposes a long‑term expansion of non‑police crisis response capacity in Columbus and could reshape how behavioral health emergencies are routed through 911 if voters approve it.

Next steps: the board will publish its resolution of support and note the measure ahead of the May ballot vote.