Group says welfare checks and mental health calls don't always require the presence of police
The Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association says civilian groups should be called upon for some welfare and mental health checks instead of police.
The group has sent a letter to Niagara Regional Councilors, saying Niagara Regional Police should reduce its operating budget by shifting funding to a civilian service for non-urgent calls.
The group says it would be fiscally and morally responsible to shift calls that don't need an armed response to a civilian service that specializes in issues like mental health.
The letter is available below.
Our letter to Niagara Region Councillors asking them to ask police to lower their operating budget by shifting welfare check and mental health calls to civilians. These calls don't need an armed response and can unnecessarily escalate into violence when police respond. pic.twitter.com/HJIqRzn7nW
— Niagara Region Anti-Racism Association (@theNRARA) January 26, 2023
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