Op-ed: What is often needed in response to 911 calls is a mental health professional or social worker, not two armed police officers, however well meaning.
Allentown officials are largely in agreement: Recruiting social workers to help city police respond to 911 calls involving mental health crises, substance abuse and homelessness issues is, conceptually, a wise move. But some are reluctant to bring in a consultant to offer some pointers until they ensure Lehigh County officials and one of the regional health networks are on board and prepared to provide funding. Others fear mental health professionals will expropriate, rather than supplement, police resources.