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Police crisis intervention efforts and diversion courts are helpful in stemming the violence, but those on the front lines say states need innovative programs and more must be done to get people early and provide preventative care to curtail explosive moments of crisis. (Warren, 3/19)

The legislation as amended would establish behavioral health units within the Baltimore City and Baltimore County police departments. The units would be comprised of at least six officers who are trained to handle incidents involving people with mental disorders or who exhibit substance abuse signs. The officers, according to the bill’s language, could help those individuals get treatment rather than risk an unnecessary or violent encounter with law enforcement. (3/20)