A new initiative aims to expand mental health crisis response teams throughout the state.

The Mobile Crisis Accelerator Program is designed to help organizations establish certified mobile crisis teams to respond to mental health calls in communities around Indiana.

Law enforcement and emergency personnel are trained to peacefully resolve hostage and suicide situations. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers face additional challenges if the perpetrator shows signs of mental illness

The Mobile Crisis Assistance Team was established in 2015 as part of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Behavioral Health Unit in response to a high number of people experiencing mental health or substance abuse problems in jail and those corresponding 911 emergency calls.