UNARMED CRISIS RESPONSE IS WORKING, WHAT’S NEXT?
Last week, we broke down a new report showing the overwhelming success of LA’s new Unarmed Model of Crisis Response, which sends trained clinicians, social workers, and mental health professionals to nonviolent 911 calls, instead of armed police officers.
Thousands of calls are being diverted away from LAPD, with 96% of calls handled entirely without police involvement.
When Interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva was asked in the Public Safety Committee how LAFD can reduce response times, he pointed to the Unarmed Model of Crisis response, alleviating the burden on LAFD Paramedics, saying it’s “helping us out immensely” and could grow bigger if we fund it more.
If this program is already making such a difference, how do we expand it citywide?
Why We’re Not There Already
Earlier this year, facing a massive budget hole, the Budget Committee wanted to limit the expansion of new programs when thousands of employees were potentially facing layoffs.
This makes sense, but since we know that Unarmed Crisis Response saves money – it should make an easy exception to this rule. Rather than keeping the status quo, the council ended up expanding the program to cover three more police divisions, meaning 9 of 21 divisions are now covered.
Note: On the budget front, we’re getting closer to avoiding layoffs of city workers altogether.
How Much Would it Cost to Go Citywide?
A Budget Memo from earlier this year estimated it would cost about $10.7 million in additional annual funding to expand citywide from the current nine funded divisions.
It’s a sizable sum—but doable. For comparison, LAPD’s 17th helicopter alone cost about $9 million.
Who Responds? Azad, Penny Lane Centers
Azad brings an energetic and compassionate presence to the UMCR team at Penny Lane. Beginning as a Community Worker and now serving as a therapist, he’s committed to supporting people in crisis with empathy and respect. Whether offering insight into local shelters and rehab programs or simply listening without judgment, Azad meets people where they are — with warmth and purpose.
In the field, his charisma and approachable style help build trust quickly, making him a powerful force in de-escalating tense situations and connecting clients to care. Azad exemplifies the heart of care-first crisis response, showing what it means to walk alongside others on their road to recovery and stability.
Click here to listen to Azad tell the story of UMCR’s difference in his own words.
What’s Next?
For UMCR to succeed citywide, we need funding and workers. Clinicians, social workers, and outreach staff are essential to our city’s safety, and the City Council voting to grow the program would mean little without enough staff to expand alongside it.
If we want unarmed crisis response to expand and thrive, we have to invest in expanding the program, and also in the people who make it possible: paying them fairly, supporting their training, and building a system where workers can afford to live in the city they serve.
We have the opportunity to build a better and safer city when we invest in care and invest in our communities.
One More Quick Hit
- Preventing At-Home Heat Deaths
Extreme heat is one of the deadliest effects of climate change, including seniors and people with disabilities who are at an elevated risk of death due to extreme heat.
We were proud to second a motion from Councilmembers Hernandez, Nazarian, and Blumenfield to respond to this urgent issue. This effort would formalize a max. allowable indoor temperature of 82°F for housing in the City of LA, aligning the city with state and expert guidance on extreme heat safety and helping protect our communities as we face the escalating impacts of climate change.
CD13 Pet of the Week
Meet Aura, our Pet of the Week!
This silly Labrador Retriever has just about the coolest eyes and a beautiful coat.
Head to North Central and adopt this pretty girl today!
