Unbundle Policing
The problem
Police have become the default response to most societal challenges (think: mental illness, substance use disorders, traffic accidents) which often causes harm to law enforcement and the communities they serve.
What is “Unbundle Policing”?
Unbundling Policing means rightsizing the role of law enforcement by offloading certain police functions to community-based solutions and developing new technologies and innovations that better equip law enforcement with the knowledge and support to properly address violent crime, leading to healthier and safer communities.
Solutions That Work
How can we decrease unnecessary and adverse law enforcement encounters? Most Americans agree that reform is needed, but where do we start? Many localities have begun addressing these issues by deploying alternative response models that fit their communities’ needs:
CAHOOTS
Eugene, OR
Sends mobile teams of medical and crisis intervention professionals in response to behavioral health and other service-related 911 calls. Key Stats: Responded to 17% of Eugene’s Police Department call volume using 2% of the budget
STAR
Denver, CO
Deploys emergency response teams of EMTs and Behavioral Health Clinicians to crises related to mental health, poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse. Key Stats: Reduced police calls by 3% with no STAR calls requiring police assistance.
Crisis Response Network
Phoenix, AZ
Deploys mobile crisis teams for behavioral health crises and de-escalation assistance. Key Stats: 1,400 Mobile Crisis teams dispatched monthly with an average response time of 30-45 minutes.
Accelerating the Efforts
Stand Together Ventures Lab recognized the innovation occurring in pockets throughout the US and wanted to help accelerate and scale them.
Incubator
Supported >250 budding entrepreneurs in developing or strengthening solutions that reduce adverse law enforcement encounters across the US. Participants were provided expert instruction and mentorship, the opportunity to network with other innovators in the space, and access to in-kind resources
Accelerator
We and our partners selected 11 teams to fund and support for our 6-month wraparound support program to help teams deploy or scale their solutions. Check out their ideas below!
Accelerator Solutions
Direct Services / Alternatives to Law Enforcement
Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC)
Addressing the complicated nature of youth criminalization through a multi-pronged, holistic approach, integrating legal and social services
LEAP's Community Responder Model
The community responder model diverts 911 calls that do not require an armed police response to trained civilian responders.
Standing with Survivors
A community-based, multi-disciplinary, mobile crisis response team for survivors of intimate partner abuse.
On Scene Services (OSS)
OSS provides alternative police response for traffic management & auto accident investigations.
Technologies
SPROKIT "D-Flekt"
Point of arrest technology for police to divert low-level offenders from the criminal justice system to social services.
Beacon Emergency Dispatch Platform
An emergency dispatch platform that allows community-based response organizations to design, test and launch their own response networks
accesSOS: accessible emergency help
accesSOS provides a free mobile app that connects those who cannot call for help with emergency services (deaf, hard of hearing)
Restoring Police-Community Trust
Rewire 4
Rewire4 provides police with critical tools to understand and address trauma in their personal lives and when interacting with people.
Hey, Blue!
Hey, Blue! facilitates meaningful connection between police officers and the community they serve. #HeyBlue
New Blue Project
A nationwide fellowship that funds police officer and community member partnerships with $5000 to reform problematic policies and practices.
Collaborate with the Unbundle Policing Community
Visit the Unbundle Policing Incubator website
Learn about the Unbundle Policing Incubator, which supported budding entrepreneurs in developing or strengthening solutions to unbundle policing. Check out who was involved and what the programming included.
Visit the Unbundle Policing Accelerator website
Peruse the solutions submitted to the Unbundle Policing Accelerator, which wrapped up on August 19th 2022 with a Demo Day, and learn about the teams that were accepted to this 6-month program which will fund and support teams to pilot or scale their solutions.
Connect with us on Slack
Our Unbundle Policing Slack channel started with the Unbundle Policing Incubator and Accelerator cohorts as well as mentors and advisors in the unbundle policing community. The Unbundle Policing Slack channel is a great place to collaborate with people who are working hard every day to address this critical issue. You can meet new people, learn about relevant upcoming events, share resources, and hear about news in the unbundle policing space!
1. Amos Irwin, Betsy Pearl (Oct 28, 2020) The Community Responder Model
2. Emily D. Buehler, Ph.D., BJS Statistician (Jul, 2021) State and Local Law Enforcement Training Academies, 2018 – Statistical Tables
3. Sarah DeGue, PhD, Katherine A. Fowler, PhD, Cynthia Calkins, PhD Deaths Due to Use of Lethal Force by Law Enforcement