The de-fund the police movement calls for cities to develop alternatives to having cops respond to every 911 call when it is not a law enforcement issue. In New Orleans, the city council is instead looking for ways to make sure there is funding to send social workers or mental health counselors to some emergencies.
The Crisis Intervention Strategy Task Force wants to make sure the city can find the money for a sustainable response system to people in need of immediate mental health. American Rescue Plan act money has been mentioned, but the group says they cannot rely on grant money that will eventually run out.
"Jefferson Parish actually has a millage, for mental health, and I don't understand why we don't even consider it," said the task force's Dr. Diedre Hayes.
The Jefferson Parish millage is dedicated to help its coroner's office keep at least two people on staff to handle mental health issues. Dr. Hayes said she finds it odd that New Orleans doesn't have something similar.
"It must entertain, at least entertain, the beginning conversation of a millage," she urged.
Members of the task force also said it is likely that there will need to be some law enforcement present if the situation is presenting a danger to public safety.
