ALTERNATIVE
RESPONSE UNIT
Providing real-time assistance to individuals experiencing psychological or social distress in the City of San Leandro
About the Program
9-1-1 is a well-known and easy-to-remember phone number that individuals call when they’re in need of help, but not all calls to 9-1-1 require or are best responded to by a law enforcement, medical or fire response. Alternative units are being established across the country to respond to non-violent, and non-emergency medical, behavioral, and social 9-1-1 calls in a trauma-informed, client-directed and compassionate manner. ACFD is working together with Cardea Health to provide an Alternative Response Unit (ARU) to the City of San Leandro as a pilot program with the expectation that, if successful, may be expanded. The ARU is comprised of 1 Nurse Practitioner, 1 EMT/Paramedic, and 1 or 2 Community Health Outreach Workers (CHWs). The unit operates Monday through Thursday from 8AM-6PM, except on Holidays. Examples of eligible and ineligible scenarios are described in the table below. See below for methods to request this exciting new service and to find out more about the Program.
Eligible Scenarios
- An individual is known to, or there is a strong suspicion that they are expiriencing pschological or social distress, including:
- An individual is experiencing suicidal thoughts
- An individual is thinking of harming themselves or has minimally harmed themselves
- A person is in emotional distress
- Families, neighbors or individuals are arguing or in need of mediation
Ineligible Scenarios*
- Medical Emergency: The person is having a serious medial issue (e.g., heart attack, strole, severe injury)
- Firearm Present: The person is known to have a firearm at home or on them
- Physical Threats: The person is making direct threats to harm others during the 9-1-1 call
- Violence: Physical violence is happening or the person has a known history of being violent
*These calls will be responded to by the appropriate response units.
If you or someone you know is in need of ARU assistance:
Dial 911 or the non-emergency police number 510-577-2740.
San Leandro Police Department will dispatch the ARU as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this program do?
The ARU provides real-time assistance to individuals experiencing psychological or social distress
How does the program work?
SLPD call takers dispatch an unarmed, 3-4 person team as first responders instead of police when you call 9-1-1 about non-violent mental health crises or quality of life concerns
Who is staffing each program?
A nurse practitioner, community health workers, and an EMT
When might I interact with this program?
When you need an in-person response to a 911 call and live within San Leandro city limits.
How can I request this response?
Please call 9-1-1 and Call Takers will route the call to the appropriate responder based on their protocol questions and the needs of the caller.
Where does this program operate?
As of November 1, 2024, the ARU operates citywide in San Leandro.
What are the hours of service?
Monday – Thursday, 8am – 6pm
What kinds of calls are eligible for this program?
Suicide Threat, Mental Health Crisis, Trespass, Welfare Check, Intoxicated Person, Prostitution, Public Indecency, and Assist Person calls where the person is not in possession of a weapon or physically violent toward others
Is San Leandro the first to do this?
No. Many other cities throughout California and the United States have similar programs.
How were programs developed?
This program has been developed with a lot of careful planning that was, and continues to be, community-informed, highly collaborative, data-driven and evidence-based.
How can I identify the ARU?
ARU responders wear matching blue shirts with distinctive logos to help you identify them in the community. View this visual identity in the photo on this page.
Progress
| Launch Date | October 4, 2024 |
| Total Number of Incidents | 556 |
| 9-1-1 Incidents | 378 |
| Follow-up* Incidents | 93 |
| On-View^ Incidents | 57 |
*Follow-up Incidents are calls or visits back to a prior client to determine if the client’s needs were met or have additional needs.
^On-View Incidents are calls originating from the ARU rather than a 9-1-1 call.
Services Provided
Through of 3/14/2025
Referrals
Necessities
Transports
Questions or Comments?
Our Partners
