SMART Community Policing Act

The SMART Community Policing Act expands federal funding for community policing programs to help law enforcement better assist individuals facing mental health crises, homelessness, or substance use disorders. It authorizes the use of COPS funds to create mobile crisis teams staffed with mental health professionals and paramedics, as well as co-responder programs that pair officers with behavioral health clinicians to de-escalate volatile situations. Additionally, the bill supports hiring case management teams to connect people with needed services and help them adhere to treatment plans, aiming to reduce repeated interactions with emergency responders.