MassachusettsReport describes police programs that connect people in crisis with care
Massachusetts reports $17.2 million in grants for police training and crisis care programs from July 2024 through June 2025.
What it does
The report describes how trained police officers and mental health clinicians help people in crisis find care, including people who have committed no crime.
Massachusetts awarded about $17.2 million to 113 projects in fiscal year 2025. Programs reported 3,328 cases that avoided arrest and 6,517 that avoided emergency department visits.
The department aims to support new and existing programs where money allows. It reports $4 million in base funding for fiscal year 2027 as one stream of federal aid ends.
Argument forPairing clinicians with police could help people in crisis receive care at the scene and avoid an unnecessary arrest or emergency visit.
Argument againstAs federal aid ends, the reported $4 million base budget could limit communities’ ability to add or sustain crisis response programs.
More detail
Officers can provide help at the scene or connect people with treatment instead of arresting them. Programs serve people in mental health or substance use crises, including people who have committed no crime. Some programs pair officers with licensed mental health clinicians. The report covers July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The Department of Mental Health awarded $17,210,417 in grants for 113 projects. Grants supported local governments and providers that care for people with mental health or substance use needs. These awards and results cover July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
The department lists continued program support and growth as priorities. Priorities cover police crisis training, teams that pair officers with clinicians, and regional training centers. Support for new programs and growth of existing programs depends on available resources. The priorities are for fiscal year 2026; the base funding figure applies to fiscal year 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 22Placed on fileIntroduced
Mental HealthCriminal JusticePublic Safety