Review of Alternative Responders for Non-Emergency Calls

Original title: Communication relating to low-acuity calls for service from the Police and Fire Departments, and whether such calls could be serviced by alternative, non-sworn responders

Record date · May 21, 2026

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What This Bill Does

The Fire and Police Commission is reviewing whether non-emergency, calls currently handled by police and fire departments could be managed by alternative, personnel.

Why it matters

This review could change which city employees respond to specific types of 911 calls, potentially altering the deployment of police and fire personnel and the nature of emergency service delivery.

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Police Department

The department's call volume and deployment strategies may change based on the outcome of this review.

Directly affected

Fire Department

The department's call volume and deployment strategies may change based on the outcome of this review.

Directly affected

City Residents

Residents may interact with different types of personnel when reporting low-acuity incidents.

Key Facts

The Fire and Police Commission is formally reviewing the handling of low-acuity calls for service.
The scope of the review includes evaluating the feasibility of using non-sworn responders for calls currently handled by police and fire departments.
The communication was introduced on May 14, 2026.
The status of the file is currently 'In Commission'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'low-acuity' call?

In the context of emergency services, this typically refers to calls that do not involve immediate life-threatening emergencies or high-level criminal activity.

What does 'non-sworn responder' mean?

A responder is a city employee who does not have the legal powers or training of a police officer or firefighter.

Has a decision been made to change how calls are handled?

No, the matter is currently under review by the Fire and Police Commission.

What else do you want to know?