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.
-
Richardson's rocky start proves costly in 2nd straight home loss
Anthony Richardson showed the Indianapolis Colts a little bit of everything Sunday. He provided some promising glimpses but also unnecessary risks and inconsistencies.
Family seeks answers after son was shot, killed on Indy's east side in October
21-year-old Jeique Peters was killed near 21st and Drexel Avenue on Oct. 19. His family is hoping for the person responsible to be held accountable.
Judge says he needs more time to review Menendez brothers' case
Convicted murderers Erik and Lyle Menendez are set to appear virtually for a court hearing Monday as a decision on whether to grant the brothers clemency remains uncertain.
Michael Strahan to drive honorary Pace Car for 109th Indy 500
Michael Strahan, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, two-time Emmy winner, and “Good Morning America” co-host has been named honorary Pace Car driver for the 109th Indianapolis 500.
