Launched in 2021, the GPL’s Alternative 911 Emergency Response Implementation Cohort provides applied research support and technical assistance to jurisdictions that are testing, implementing, or expanding alternative 911 emergency response. Our 2024-25 Implementation Cohort includes:
Learn more about the GPL’s work to strengthen alternative emergency response programs here.
Initial Cohort Achievements
The GPL has supported 24 Cohort participants representing 35 jurisdictions, ranging from large cities like Los Angeles, CA to small cities like Amherst, MA.
After joining the GPL’s Implementation Cohort, nine Cohort members launched their alternative 911 response programs, ten Cohort members expanded their programs, and two additional members are set to expand their programs.
Twelve Cohort members have collectively responded to nearly 175,000 calls.
The GPL Implementation Cohort is one of the best technical assistance experiences I’ve participated in. Sometimes, technical assistance requires a lot of producing extra deliverables for the organization, which becomes added work, and there is none of that here. This is striking that sweet spot of helping us with wherever we are at.Ryan Smith
Director of Durham’s Community Safety Department
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Our Support
The GPL accepts jurisdictions for its Implementation Cohort on an annual basis through a formal application process. Selected jurisdictions receive pro bono applied research support and technical assistance that is tailored to meet their needs. Support lasts up to 10 months depending on project context and needs and may include:
Active 1:1 coaching for local government staff;
Access to adaptable implementation template materials and peer government examples including 911 call for service analysis approaches, call triage decision trees, responder team on scene and 911 protocols, responder team and 911 training curriculum, data strategy plans for program iteration and performance management, and service provider requests for proposals (RFPs);
Real-time support from GPL staff and monthly jurisdiction-to-jurisdiction troubleshooting through GPL facilitated calls with peer governments.
When does the next application round open?
Applications are currently closed. Please subscribe to the GPL newsletter to receive updates about our alternative 911 emergency response work, research, and technical assistance.
Who should apply to the Cohort?
The GPL’s Alternative 911 Emergency Response Implementation Cohort is designed for jurisdictions that are interested in developing a fourth branch of emergency response to divert a significant share of 911 calls to an alternative response team and/or other 911 diversion pathways that otherwise would have gone to police, fire, or emergency medical services. The GPL defines alternative response initiatives as unarmed, professional, trained responders, such as social workers, peer support specialists, EMTs, or others that respond to 911 calls in person as a standalone team.
While alternative response teams and 911 call triage pathways vary based on unique jurisdictional needs, one of the core goals of creating alternative response teams and other 911 diversion pathways is to reduce overreliance on traditional law enforcement and medical system responses by instead connecting callers with professionals equipped with the tools necessary to resolve a call for service without creating unnecessary criminal justice or emergency medical system involvement.
The GPL has supported a range of alternative response teams and program models and is open to supporting new approaches in the future. Some examples of past models include:
County-led program with contracted provider: A county-led alternative 911 emergency response initiative coordinates a regional response across several pilot cities within the county. Responder teams are staffed by a local community-based organization through a request for proposal (RFP) process. Eligible calls are triaged by 911 and dispatched to responder teams directly.
City-led program: City-led alternative 911 emergency response initiative teams are staffed by the city behavioral health department. Eligible calls are triaged by 911 and sent to 988 for a telephonic resolution or dispatch of a responder team.
Program in transition: A city currently runs a mobile crisis outreach team that receives calls from a regional crisis hotline. The city is interested in transitioning the team to be directly dispatched to 911 and 988 calls
What should I do if I have additional questions?
For questions, reach out to GovLab@hks.harvard.edu.
The GPL Implementation Cohort is one of the best technical assistance experiences I’ve participated in. Sometimes, technical assistance requires a lot of producing extra deliverables for the organization, which becomes added work, and there is none of that here. This is striking that sweet spot of helping us with wherever we are at.Ryan Smith