The majority of Michigan’s county sheriffs and local police chiefs endorse a form of alternative or hybrid strategy for addressing 911 calls, expanding beyond the usual law enforcement officials.
Nonetheless, a significant number of them contend that initiating these types of programs within their communities would pose challenges.
These insights are part of the essential findings from the recent phase of the Michigan Public Policy Survey, which was administered in the spring of 2024 by the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State and Urban Policy. This statewide poll inquired of both law enforcement and local government representatives regarding their views on policing tactics that might include other professionals, such as mental health experts or licensed social workers.
A growing number of communities statewide are investigating alternative strategies to conventional 911 responses. The research highlights over 100 local crisis response teams functioning nationwide—including Detroit, which received approximately 16,000 mental health calls in the previous year.
Proponents argue that enlisting non-law enforcement experts can be beneficial for incidents involving substance misuse, domestic conflicts, and wellness checks, enabling police officers to concentrate on more pressing or violent situations.
The survey indicated that support fluctuated based on the method, yet it was most robust for scenarios where a response unit included other professionals while still being supervised by law enforcement. There was less support for alternative response teams managed by other local government divisions or independent community organizations, though it remained above outright opposition to alternative response methodologies.
Over 80% of sheriffs and police chiefs, along with more than 50% of local government officials, advocate for at least one of these alternative response programs. Despite this, a slight majority still believe that executing such an approach in their locality would be challenging, highlighting concerns related to funding, staffing, and the safety of civilian responders.
“Sheriffs and police chiefs in Michigan demonstrate considerable support for co-response and alternative response initiatives in their areas, even though the majority believe these would be challenging to carry out,” stated Debra Horner, the senior program manager of the survey.
“Statewide, their agencies are grappling with significant staffing and workload issues, and many, particularly in larger areas, are also observing a surge in 911 calls that do not necessitate law enforcement intervention. It is logical to seek collaboration with mental health professionals in responding to crises.”
The Michigan Public Policy Survey has been conducted since 2009 by CLOSUP at the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy. Respondents completing surveys between April and June 2024 include county, city, township, and village officials from 1,307 jurisdictions throughout the state, as well as 54 county sheriffs, 234 police chiefs or public safety directors, and 55 elected county prosecutors.
The spring 2024 edition of the survey was supported by a grant from The Joyce Foundation.