In a decisive move, the Cleveland City Council approved ‘Tanisha’s Law’ with unanimous support, fundamentally changing how the city responds to mental health crises. This legislation, named in memory of Tanisha Anderson, who tragically lost her life in police custody in 2014, establishes a new Bureau of Community Crisis Response aimed at providing alternative solutions to traditional emergency services.
The council’s decision, reported by Cleveland 19, was spearheaded by councilmembers Stephanie Howse-Jones and Charles Slife, along with former member Rebecca Maurer. Their initiative seeks to enhance the support available for mental health-related emergencies, reflecting over a decade of advocacy led by Anderson’s family, particularly her uncle, Michael Anderson. In a poignant statement, he remarked, “Tonight it’s like a resurrection for the family,” emphasizing the emotional significance of this legislation.
The ordinance aims to mitigate unnecessary police involvement in nonviolent situations by establishing a framework that routes specific 911 calls to trained dispatchers and licensed social workers. This approach is designed to ensure that individuals in crisis receive appropriate care from mental health professionals rather than law enforcement.
Key Features of ‘Tanisha’s Law’
According to ideastream, ‘Tanisha’s Law’ builds upon a series of police reforms initiated after a 2014 investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), which highlighted excessive use of force by Cleveland police. A central component of the new law focuses on the training of dispatchers to recognize and redirect calls that require mental health intervention to behavioral health professionals, social workers, and clinicians.
This new model represents a significant shift towards prioritizing mental health interventions in crisis situations. By equipping dispatchers with the necessary skills to evaluate calls, the city aims to foster a more compassionate and effective response to mental health emergencies.
The implementation of ‘Tanisha’s Law’ marks a pivotal moment in Cleveland’s ongoing efforts to reform its approach to public safety and mental health. As the city moves forward with this initiative, it embodies a commitment to improving the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges, ensuring they receive the support they need without the added stress of police involvement.
As the Bureau of Community Crisis Response begins its operations, the impact of this legislation will be closely monitored by both advocates and community members. The hope is that this law will not only honor Tanisha Anderson’s memory but also serve as a model for other cities seeking to reform their mental health crisis response systems.
