As police forces across the country re-evaluate their practices regarding encounters with people with mental health problems, Minneapolis authorities plan to pair officers with mental health specialists on emergency calls involving such problems. Officials hope the tactic, already in use by departments in Houston, Los Angeles and Madison, Wis., will lead to more peaceful resolutions and decrease the likelihood of jail time — or physical encounters.
While the details of the trial program are still being worked out, officials say it will be launched early next year.