How Should the U.S. Transform Our 911 Systems?

A groundbreaking initiative to rethink the nation’s 911 emergency response model is requesting public comments on recommendations that would alter the “police-first” model currently operated in many jurisdictions.

Transform911, an initiative of the University of Chicago Health Lab, has released a series of draft proposals for federal, state, and local policymakers to transform the nation’s 911 system to better prioritize public health, justice, and safety needs. Developed through a transparent, collaborative, and evidence-based months-long process, the draft recommendations outline a comprehensive approach to effective emergency response. The project invites public comments through May 1, 2022.

Nearly nine thousand emergency communications centers (ECCs), most operating under different standards, currently manage the nation’s estimated 240 million annual calls to 911. While researchers estimate only 25% of those calls relate to a crime in progress, law enforcement is still most commonly deployed to address the vast majority of calls, including those that might be better handled by other public health and safety professionals. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety resources, the nation’s emergency response system must be transformed.

To address this challenge, Transform911 convened 911 professionals, law enforcement, leaders in public health, government officials, academics, technology leaders, community advocates and others to establish a common vision for transforming the nation’s emergency response system. Expert workgroups developed 30 actionable federal, state, and local policy recommendations, including:

• Ensure ECCs are independent, lateral agencies and not subordinate to fire, police, or EMS
• Establish a high-level federal position and cabinet-level working group to create and implement national standards for 911
• Institute national and state standards for how ECCs operate, including requiring services like text-to-911 and interoperability among fire, police, EMS, and alternative responders
• Formally recognize emergency communication professionals as public safety responders
• Develop alternative hotlines that can provide immediate access to resources that offer personalized supports

The draft recommendations were created as dozens of local jurisdictions—including Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Albuquerque, and Durham—launch pilot programs to dispatch social workers and behavioral health professionals in lieu of police for some 911 calls.

“There is significant appetite at all levels for rethinking emergency response that does not involve a crime in progress,” said S. Rebecca Neusteter, PhD, executive director of the University of Chicago Health Lab and the principal investigator of Transform911. “Ensuring the right professional responds to an emergency is critical to public health and racial equity, as well as freeing up resources for police to respond to violent crimes. Transform911’s recommendations provide a needed blueprint for moving forward, but all voices need to be heard.”

Following the public comment period, the project will finalize and release recommendations this summer.

Transform911 is supported by Arnold Ventures, Microsoft’s Justice Reform Initiative, and the Sozosei Foundation.

About the University of Chicago Health Lab 

The Health Lab is one of five labs that comprise University of Chicago Urban Labs. Together they work to address challenges across key dimensions of urban life: crime, education, health, poverty, and energy & environment. The University of Chicago Urban Labs is part of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

About Arnold Ventures 

Arnold Ventures is a Houston-based philanthropy dedicated to tackling some of the most pressing problems in the United States. Founded by Laura and John Arnold in 2010, Arnold Ventures’ core mission is to improve lives by investing in evidence-based solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. More information about Arnold Venture’s work is available at www.arnoldventures.org.  

About Microsoft’s Justice Reform Initiative 

The Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative works to empower communities and drive progress towards a more equitable justice system. More information about Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative’s work is available here.

About the Sozosei Foundation

The Sozosei Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OPAI), whose primary focus is to eliminate the use of jails and prisons for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.