Ann Arbor explores funding unarmed crisis response with Care Based Safety organization

The Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission has taken significant steps towards addressing community concerns about policing and mental health crises. During their recent meeting on April 9, 2025, members discussed the urgent need for an unarmed crisis response model to better serve individuals experiencing mental health emergencies.

Commissioners highlighted the overwhelming number of calls received by local police, which often involve situations that require specialized mental health support rather than law enforcement intervention. Officers, including the Police Chief and Washtenaw County Sheriff, expressed their challenges in managing these calls effectively, underscoring the necessity for a dedicated, unarmed crisis response team.

A key proposal from the meeting was to allocate funding from the Ann Arbor police budget or the Washtenaw sheriff's budget to support organizations like Care Based Safety. This funding would be aimed at establishing a crisis response model that operates independently of police oversight, ensuring that the mission of providing care is not compromised. The commission emphasized the importance of transparency in the funding process and the need for a separate dispatch line for crisis responders to enhance community trust.

The discussion also touched on the potential pitfalls of co-response models, where police and social workers respond together. Many community members voiced concerns that the presence of armed officers could escalate situations rather than de-escalate them, leading to a lack of trust in both police and social workers. The commission pointed out that successful unarmed crisis response models exist in other cities, where police are rarely involved, allowing for a more effective and compassionate approach to mental health crises.

In conclusion, the commission's recommendations aim to create a safer and more supportive environment for individuals in crisis. By reallocating police funds to community-based organizations and ensuring that crisis responders operate without police involvement, Ann Arbor hopes to foster a system that prioritizes care and trust. The commission plans to continue advocating for these changes, recognizing the critical need for a compassionate response to mental health emergencies in the community.