Mesa City Council transitions mental health response program funding to general fund

Mesa City Council's recent study session highlighted a significant shift in funding for mental health crisis response teams, transitioning from ARPA funds to the general fund. This move aims to enhance the efficiency of local law enforcement by allowing trained professionals to handle mental health emergencies, thereby freeing up police officers for other duties.

Council members expressed pride in the program's success, noting that it has improved response times and reduced the burden on sworn personnel. "This is another kind of force multiplier for the police department," one council member stated, emphasizing the importance of having specialized teams available to address mental health crises. The program has reportedly diverted nearly 3,000 calls annually from police to mental health professionals, allowing officers to focus on more pressing law enforcement tasks.

The discussion also touched on the financial implications of this transition. While the council acknowledged that the funding source has changed, they emphasized the need for ongoing evaluation of the program's effectiveness and necessity. "We need to make sure that it’s necessary going forward," one member remarked, suggesting that regular reports on the program's impact would be beneficial.

As the city prepares for future budgets, the council is committed to ensuring that mental health crisis response remains a priority, with plans to track its effectiveness and resource allocation closely. The decision to integrate this program into the general fund reflects a broader commitment to innovative public safety solutions in Mesa.