Columbus inches forward on plans for nonpolice response program, solicits proposals

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin hopes by the time the group returns from summer recess in September, it will be ready to pilot an emergency response program that doesn’t include police.

September will mark over a year and a half since Hardin first announced funding for a nonpolice response program pilot for “nonviolent, low-acuity” calls for service, including mental health crises. At the end of April, the city quietly released its request for proposal...