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.
-
Felix Rosenqvist wins 110th Running of Indianapolis 500 in thrilling fashion
Felix Rosenqvist outlasted David Malukas to win the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Rosenqvist is a first time winner in the Indy 500.
Katherine Legge and Ryan Hunter-Reay crash in lap 18 of Indy 500
Katherine Legge and Ryan Hunter-Reay crashed coming out of Turn 2 in lap 18 of the Indianapolis 500.
Showers possible for Race Day
We will start mild and muggy for your Sunday. A few light spotty showers are possible for the first part of the day.
Watch Live: Daybreak Raceday
Join us for live pre-race coverage from Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500.
