This bill establishes new procedures for the intake and record-keeping of 9-1-1 calls that involve individuals believed to be suffering from emotional or behavioral disorders. It mandates that call-takers at public safety answering points (PSAPs) ask callers if their emergency request involves such individuals. If the PSAP also serves as a public safety dispatch point (PSDP), the call-taker must inform the emergency service provider about the potential involvement of a person with an emotional or behavioral disorder. Additionally, both PSAPs and PSDPs are required to maintain records of these calls and review any available call history to identify previous associations with individuals experiencing such disorders.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Division of State Police, as well as county and municipal police departments, to keep records of their responses to incidents involving individuals believed to have emotional or behavioral disorders. Historical information provided to law enforcement upon dispatch should include details about whether the subject or location has been previously associated with such individuals. This initiative aims to enhance the safety of law enforcement officers, emergency service providers, and individuals in crisis by ensuring that responders are better informed about the nature of the calls they are addressing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17C-1