Dayton’s Mediation Response Unit responding to some calls instead of police: How it works

The pilot program, which was recommended by a city police reform committee, also seeks to address underlying causes of conflict between parties in disputes, which police officers usually don’t have the time or training to do.

Here is a quick look at how the system works and who it helps.

– The program currently has the capacity for six responders and one coordinator.

– The unit has responded to about 400 calls for service since launching.

– Dispatchers on average receive about 157 calls to 911 per week in Dayton that are appropriate for a new team to handle.

– Some 911 calls will be transferred to a special call-taker who will determine if a mediation response is appropriate.

– Mediation responders often can get to calls for service about nonviolent conflict more quickly than police can because officers tend to have a backlog of calls.

– If mediation field team members are dispatched, their first priority after arriving on scene will be to determine the safety of the situation and if police should be summoned.

– Police, fire and mediation will be on the same radio network and will be able to call each other to a scene quickly when needed

– Mediation staff should have more time than police usually do to listen to both sides and connect people to services that can help.

– The Mediation Response Unit currently works between 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Read the complete article here.