Unarmed, care-based emergency response has evolved from a set of transformational pilots into an essential public infrastructure. To document what it takes to build programs and systems that last, Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety (CICS) convened the Alternative Response Research Collective (ARRC)—a cohort of leading practitioners spanning nine pioneering jurisdictions—to share experiences and best practices. 

This three-part white paper series translates on-the-ground data and operational experience into actionable guidance for policymakers and practitioners nationwide.

Explore the White Paper Series

Paper No. 1: No Longer Alternative | [Download PDF (print-only version)]

Defines Community Crisis Response (CCR) within a four-layer ecosystem spanning prevention, response, stabilization, and long-term care. It addresses the importance of shared language for securing funding and examines the operational framework needed to embed client consent and autonomy into crisis care.

Paper No. 2: Who Responds Matters: Workforce Development in Community Crisis Response | [Download PDF (print-only version)]

Tackles workforce development as critical infrastructure. This paper offers decision frameworks to align responder profiles (clinicians, EMTs, peers, or mediators) with local call acuity, navigate municipal HR hiring barriers, and implement specific strategies to combat moral injury and burnout.

Paper No. 3: Building What Lasts: Sustaining Community Crisis Response Programs | [Download PDF (print-only version)]

A comprehensive fiscal roadmap focused on long-term institutional sustainability. It evaluates local general funds as the baseline for permanent investment, explores braided revenue models (including philanthropy and Medicaid) , and details alternative mechanisms like dedicated telecom fees, public safety bonds, and opioid settlements.

For additional resources and information, see below: