Call diversion in Calgary to provide alternative response to police

CALGARY - Police in Calgary are piloting a five-month venture to divert 911 callers who want mental-health, addictions or social assist to strains that present referrals to group and authorities providers.

Beginning in February, some 911 callers shall be related to the Misery Centre Calgary or the 211 line somewhat than to police, so long as they aren't in a life-threatening or prison scenario.

Name-takers with 211 have been working with 911 operators on-line since earlier this month to iron out particulars of the partnership.

Calgary 911 Performing Cmdr. Glenda Sahlen says calls have elevated by 30 per cent over the past decade — a couple of million calls yearly — with many individuals looking for recommendation about non-emergency home violence, social dysfunction, psychological well being and dependancy.

The $16 million in funding for the service comes from the Metropolis of Calgary and the Calgary Police Service budgets.

Edmonton metropolis council reallocated virtually $11 million in December to social businesses to help with mental-health calls somewhat than including the cash to the police finances.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 25, 2022.