INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS — Local lawmakers are pushing for more funding to handle emergency calls focused on mental health.
In April, Herman Whitfield III died in IMPD custody.
His family said he was having a mental health episode.
Wednesday, the coroner's autopsy ruled his death a homicide.
"We have to work on how do we fund more IMPD officers that have that training to deal with people with mental health," Rep. Robin Shackleford said.
Shackleford said she plans to help get IMPD and the mayor's office more money in hopes to staff the city's Mobile Crisis Assistance Team (MCAT) and a pilot clinician-led program to address mental health calls in the community.
Right now, MCAT only responds Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
They weren't working the night Whitfield III's parents called 911 for help because that was on a weekend.
"A lot of these issues are happening on weekends on evenings if someone is going to have an episode. So, just make sure we are getting funding for these types of programs and trying to help out the mayor as much as possible," Shackleford said.
Representative Shackleford says she's planning to ask the state to divert some of the $100 million it recently received to expand mental health services for officer training.
-
BLOG: Severe Weather Alert for Central Indiana
On Wednesday, Central Indiana was upgraded to the moderate risk category (level 4/5 risk) for severe weather.Indiana outlines new high school diploma guidelines with key partnerships
Indiana high school students will soon have a new choice regarding their education as the state unveils a redesigned diploma program.Steel suppliers preparing for possible tariff impacts
More steel is made in Indiana than in any other state. Local suppliers are now waiting to find out how tariffs on foreign steel will affect their business.Funeral homes concerned tariffs could drive up costs
Laying a loved one to rest takes a toll on a family and now that process could be more expensive for Hoosier families.