[bigbob]

I can see some merit in that, especially if the situation turns out to be non threatening and the cop can get back to his other duties sooner. ABQ says they would be responding SWs to “inebriation, homelessness, addiction and mental health” calls. Only after someone responds and assesses the situation can they really know what the threat level is, but in my experience mental health issues normally just end up with a referral to the local MH center anyway.

The real problem I see is sending unarmed people of any kind into unknown situations. No way a 911 operator can assess the degree of potential threat over the phone.

[tang-soo]

The real problem I see is sending unarmed people of any kind into unknown situations. No way a 911 operator can assess the degree of potential threat over the phone.

Yes, I agree, which is why this will be a temporary paradigm shift (hate that phrase but appropriate here). First time, someone gets injured or worse, "Not my job" syndrome will begin.