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6/16/2025, 7:21:21 AM
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City officials have for the past few years allocated funds for an unarmed responders program in annual city budgets — most of which remains unspent as any efforts to initiate the process have so far failed to fully materialize.
Recckio said the city could begin hiring for its unarmed responders unit as soon as the end of this year, provided council members fund the initiative in the 2026 budget. The city typically finalizes its budget in November.
Recckio said the initial proposal of 3-4 responders was based on analyses of similar programs in other communities across the country.
Such programs typically start with one responder per 7,000-10,000 residents as an initial guideline. Recckio said unarmed responders in other cities often take on responsibilities such as “offer immediate behavioral health assistance, provide poverty-related support, conduct welfare and wellness checks, assist with housing needs and provide de-escalation of minor disputes.”
Recckio also presented alternative options, including a plan that would again table the idea of an unarmed responders unit in favor of spending the money enhancing existing police reform initiatives. Such initiatives include the Community Justice Center and the county’s Crisis Alternative Response and Engagement (CARE) team, which dispatches a mental health worker alongside an armed sheriff’s deputy when necessary.
Alderperson Phoebe Brown, one of the leading voices in support of police reform on Common Council, reiterated her frustration at the years-long delay in implementing the unarmed responders proposal.
City officials have for the past few years allocated funds for an unarmed responders program in annual city budgets — most of which remains unspent as any efforts to initiate the process have so far failed to fully materialize.
Recckio said the city could begin hiring for its unarmed responders unit as soon as the end of this year, provided council members fund the initiative in the 2026 budget. The city typically finalizes its budget in November.
Recckio said the initial proposal of 3-4 responders was based on analyses of similar programs in other communities across the country.
Such programs typically start with one responder per 7,000-10,000 residents as an initial guideline. Recckio said unarmed responders in other cities often take on responsibilities such as “offer immediate behavioral health assistance, provide poverty-related support, conduct welfare and wellness checks, assist with housing needs and provide de-escalation of minor disputes.”
Recckio also presented alternative options, including a plan that would again table the idea of an unarmed responders unit in favor of spending the money enhancing existing police reform initiatives. Such initiatives include the Community Justice Center and the county’s Crisis Alternative Response and Engagement (CARE) team, which dispatches a mental health worker alongside an armed sheriff’s deputy when necessary.
Alderperson Phoebe Brown, one of the leading voices in support of police reform on Common Council, reiterated her frustration at the years-long delay in implementing the unarmed responders proposal.
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