Baltimore Expands 911 Crisis Response Beyond Police and EMS

Baltimore, MD, August 16, 2026 —

Baltimore is expanding its 911 crisis response services to incorporate a wider range of professionals beyond traditional police and emergency medical services. This initiative aims to provide more specialized and appropriate care for individuals experiencing mental health crises or other non-violent emergencies.

The city’s move signifies a shift towards a more de-escalated approach for certain types of calls, recognizing that not all emergencies require a law enforcement or medical response. By integrating professionals such as behavioral health specialists, social workers, and crisis counselors into the 911 system, Baltimore intends to ensure that individuals receive the most suitable assistance tailored to their specific needs.

This expansion is expected to allow police officers to focus on more serious criminal matters, while trained mental health professionals can address situations involving behavioral health issues, substance use, or homelessness with greater efficacy. The goal is to improve outcomes for residents in crisis and potentially reduce unnecessary arrests or hospitalizations.

Details regarding the specific types of professionals being added, the timeline for implementation, and the operational framework of these expanded services were not provided. Further information on how the 911 dispatch system will be updated to route these calls appropriately is also pending.

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