Recently, I was riding my scooter to work and heard a woman screaming in distress. I put on my mask and approached her to ask if she was OK. She was clearly suffering from a mental health problem and said she was going to call 911 because she was scared. I asked her if she would like help calling the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) instead because they are specially trained in intervening and getting people with mental illness help and support.
She said yes, and I was grateful knowing that interactions between the police and people with mental illness are regularly ineffective and harmful and calling MCOT would be safer and more effective. I called the MCOT number and was told the team was not available to assist and in so many words, “good luck.” The woman, who was still in distress, said she would just figure it out and probably call 911 anyway.
I rode away sick to my stomach and frustrated that the very public service created for situations like these didn’t have anyone to help. Alternatives to law enforcement such as MCOT are vital in preventing violence, getting individuals with mental illness connected to services, and creating a safer and more compassionate community. I encourage policymakers and leaders to provide enough funding to make crisis services, which are effective alternatives to law enforcement, widely available and quick to respond.
Ellie Goldberg, Salt Lake City