The Marcus Alert System, a new initiative implemented by Arlington County, is designed to enhance responses to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. This system aims to provide tailored and effective support when someone calls 911 for help.
The system involves coordination between the 911 call center, regional crisis centers, and law enforcement. Its goal is to improve services and responses for people facing crises related to mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disabilities. The Marcus Alert System is being implemented in Prince William, Loudoun, and Fairfax Counties as well.
This system was established following a law passed in 2020 that required better protocols for mental health calls. It aims to ensure that all individuals have equal access to behavioral health resources by bridging the gaps between the behavioral health and criminal justice systems. The system is named after Marcus-David Peters, a Black biology teacher who was killed by Richmond Police in 2018 during a mental health crisis.
Emergency call takers have undergone specialized training on mental health, psychotic disorders, and crisis de-escalation tactics. This training is crucial in ensuring that individuals in crisis receive compassionate and appropriate responses. The goal is to shift towards behavioral health responses rather than law enforcement responses in such situations.
All cities and towns in Virginia with over 40,000 residents are mandated to have the Marcus Alert System in place by 2028. This system is long overdue and necessary to address gaps and barriers in accessing mental health services while ensuring equitable services for all individuals.
