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Louisville pilot will connect police officers with psychologists during some crisis calls
Louisville police will be able to seek remote, real-time advice from licensed psychologists during some behavioral health emergencies, using live body-camera video. City officials say the pilot will be reviewed for effectiveness, while officers retain control of decisions at the scene.
Louisville Metro Police officers responding to some behavioral health crisis calls will be able to receive real-time guidance from licensed psychologists under a new pilot announced Tuesday, Oct. 27, by Mayor Craig Greenberg.
The psychologists will remotely view live footage from officers’ body-worn cameras and offer observations and recommendations while an encounter is underway. They will serve in an advisory role; responding officers will remain responsible for decisions at the scene.
The pilot brings together LMPD, MetroSafe and Shelton Forensic Solutions. Greenberg said it is the first program of its kind in the country. City officials described it as part of a broader effort to improve Louisville’s response to mental health crises.
The initiative builds on LMPD’s Advanced Crisis Team, which began in September. The mayor’s office said the city and its partners will assess the pilot’s outcomes and gather feedback to judge how well it works in practice.
The announcement did not include details about the pilot’s duration, cost or how many calls may involve psychologist guidance.