Friend –

Too often, when people are in crisis, the only option available for them is to call the police, which can escalate and pose unnecessary risks. These interactions with police have created trauma in some communities, especially Black and Brown communities, where police involvement can often be dangerous.

However, there is an opportunity for California to change how we respond to many emergency situations. There are community-based organizations across California responding successfully to emergencies. Re-envisioning policing starts with investing in community-based organizations that can provide informed, compassionate, and potentially life-saving responses for vulnerable people.

Tell Governor Newsom to support community alternatives to police.

AB 2054, the CRISES (Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems) Act will create a pilot grant program for community-based response to local emergencies, including unhoused people in crisis, people experiencing mental health challenges, people exposed to domestic or community violence, people experiencing substance abuse, and other issues. The CRISES Act received bipartisan support in both houses of the legislature and from a wide range of organizations, cities, and government officials.

Ask Governor Newsom to sign the CRISES Act into law to invest in and empower groups that have demonstrated an ability to protect their communities, while freeing the police to focus on issues more suited to their purpose. Together, we can reimagine public safety and support experienced community organizations so they can provide resources and long-term help for individuals in crisis.

Thanks for taking action,

Abdi Soltani
Executive Director, ACLU of Northern California