Appropriate Responses Initiative

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Not all 911 calls are the same. When you call for help, sometimes a traditional public safety response is best. Other times a mental health professional, a public health worker, or community partner would be a more appropriate response.

Launched in 2022, the Appropriate Response Initiative is intended to enhance 911 responses in Ramsey County by focusing on resident well-being and community. The initiative will help build safer communities, prevent violence and reduce disparities by investing in a wider range of response options for people in need. Expanded response options will include additional social services crisis response, public health response and new community responders.

Ramsey County is currently working closely with community members and agency leaders to transform and co-design our 911 response. Together we’re determining how to use existing response resources, identify alternatives and build additional resources to better meet the needs of the communities we serve.

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Ramsey County will invest up to $13.2 million of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds into the initiative from 2022-2024. These investments will establish us as a responsive leader in 911 services locally and nationally.

Goals

Response types

Timeline

Background and racial disparities

News