Federal police grants could fund mental health crisis response teams

What does this do?

Senate bill S 4575 would expand how federal COPS grant money can be spent by local police departments. The bill adds three new eligible uses: mobile crisis teams, co-responder programs pairing officers with behavioral health clinicians, and case management teams that follow up with people after a crisis. No department is required to create these programs; participation is voluntary.

Who does it affect?

Local police departments that choose to apply for COPS grants would be directly affected, as would mental health professionals, paramedics, and case managers who could be hired under the new programs. Residents who experience mental health crises, homelessness, substance use difficulties, or poverty and come into contact with 911 systems are also affected.

Why does it matter?

The bill targets 911 calls driven by mental health or social crises rather than crime, where trained non-police responders may produce different outcomes. Adding these options could shift how some departments staff and structure their response to those calls.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Uses existing COPS grant funds
• No new funding created