Columbus voters backed an alternative to police for some 911 calls. Months later, the city hasn't completed the first step to set up the program.

Issue 5 will create a community crisis response that will enhance 911 calls for nonviolent crises.

The Columbus Safety Collective declared victory on city Issue 5 shortly after polls closed.

Issue 5 creates a team to send trained, non-police responders to emergency calls that don't involve a weapon or intent to harm. The amendment had no organized opposition.

The Columbus Medical Association supports the Community Crisis Response Amendment and urges a "yes" vote for Issue 5 on the May primary election ballot.

Columbus could soon become the next community that changes the way it responds to mental health emergencies.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Columbus voters will decide on May 5 whether to amend the city charter to expand and formalize a community crisis response system that would send trained clinicians an…

Columbus Issue 5 aims to change how Columbus handles mental health crises. Voters will decide whether to send clinicians, not police.

A May 5 ballot measure would also expand crisis teams to 24/7.

If voters approve the amendment, leaders must develop a plan for a community crisis response system to be fully operational by Feb. 1, 2028.

If passed, the city's public health department would be required to oversee an alternative crisis response team, that would respond to certain emergencies instead of police officers. This could includ...

Together we can improve the lives of communities who have been the most frequent targets of police violence.

The collective is working to gather the 25,000 signatures needed to put a petition, which asks for $5 million to be put aside, on an upcoming November ballot.

The Columbus Safety Collective is a community-driven movement focused on establishing a nonpolice emergency response system that serves all Columbus residents.