The program is set to launch this Fall, likely October or November; this is subject to change.

Two mobile units (vehicles) will operate throughout the City of Minneapolis 24/7. Each vehicle will have a team of two behavioral health responders. Minneapolis 911 will dispatch the responders.

• Behavioral health interventions
• De-escalation tactics
• Counseling and support to people in crisis
• Referrals & connection to support services
• Outreach essentials like water, socks, snacks, toiletries, etc.

If you or someone you know is having a behavioral health crisis you can continue to call 911 for service.

911 staff will gather information and assess the call. They will determine if it is eligible for a mobile behavioral health team response.

911 will dispatch the teams to eligible calls within City limits.  Examples of eligible calls could include no firearms involved, physically non-violent person, etc.

The eligibility criteria is being developed with mental health experts and 911 staff. It is informed by similar programs across the country.

The responders will provide voluntary transportation to those that ask. It is important that clients can get to a place that they feel is safe.

The responders will not provide involuntary transportation under any circumstances. If there is a need for an emergency transport, EMS services and/or MPD will be called to provide it.

The teams will wear plain clothes that identify who they are. They will not wear uniforms that would cause them to be mistaken for law enforcement.

Responder Supervisors can write transport holds if a patient is assessed to be at imminent risk of harm to self or others.

Mobile behavioral health crisis response teams are an alternative to police response. MPD will only be on scene if:

• Dispatch determines they need to clear the scene first, or
• Deemed necessary by the Behavioral Crisis Response Team to complete their work.

MPD can request the presence of the Teams if they feel behavioral health services are more appropriate during a response.