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Knoxville Council Rejects Unarmed Mental Health Responder Plan

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Knoxville City Council rejected a plan to create unarmed mental health responders for low-risk 911 calls.
Councilmembers opposed the plan, citing the police co-responder program's success and concerns from Police Chief Paul Noel.
The task force estimated first-year costs at $780,000 to $1 million, largely funded by local taxes.
The proposal, prepared by a private firm, aimed to de-escalate crises without police involvement, like models in other cities.

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Story summary

The Knoxville City Council rejected a plan to create unarmed mental health responders for low-risk 911 calls.
Councilmembers opposed the plan, citing the police co-responder program's success and concerns from Police Chief Paul Noel.
The task force estimated first-year costs at $780,000 to $1 million, largely funded by local taxes.
The proposal, prepared by a private firm, aimed to de-escalate crises without police involvement, like models in other cities.