Durham weighs expanding HEART beyond city limits
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Durham residents learned more about the city's HEART program during a community conversation hosted by the NAACP on Wednesday, where officials discussed the program's role in responding to a mental health crisis and other nonviolent public safety calls.
The HEART Team responds to calls involving mental health concerns, welfare checks, and other situations that may not require a traditional law enforcement response. According to Durham Community Safety Director Ryan Smith, the team often assists with calls involving trespassing, people experiencing homelessness and suicide threats.
"We go to calls that involve someone trespassing. Very often that involves someone who is maybe unhoused or living unsheltered. We go to mental health calls or suicide threat calls when there's no weapon in someone's hand, and we will do that with police. If someone has a weapon in their hand and they're contemplating suicide, we will go as a call response," Smith said.
Smith said the program helps address growing service demands in Durham while allowing law enforcement to focus on other public safety needs.
" Last year alone we saved law enforcement over 8,000 hours in response time. That's time that frees up law enforcement to be available for other calls where we need them most. So that's a direct public safety benefit," Smith said.
Officials also discussed whether a similar program could expand beyond Durham city limits and into Durham County.
Durham County Commissioner Stephen Valentine said he has been encouraged by the program's work in the community.
"I think for now, moving more and more, responding to crisis situations, low-level and high-level. So I've been impressed by their involvement in our community. And now I want to take a closer look at their effectiveness," Valentine said.
The county has authorized a feasibility study to determine whether the HEART program could operate countywide.
"The basic and fundamental question will be, how do we want to respond to these needs as we expand out into the county and the far reaches of the county, where normally this service isn't provided? And so we'll have to make an assessment as to whether that's a good fit for the county or not," Valentine said.
Smith said the program would be prepared to expand if resources become available.
"We understand that there are many competing priorities within the city and county. But if there are resources to do that, we will be ready to respond," he said.
ABC11 previously reported that city data show the HEART program reduced crime reports by nearly 60% and arrests by 56%, while improving response times by more than three minutes.
Residents attending the event also voiced support for the program.
"The HEART program is a program that steps in and helps our public safety individuals," said Dr. Eric Kelly III of Durham.
The community discussion received support from new Durham Police Chief Stephanie Mardis, who attended the event and listened as community members and officials discussed the program's impact. Wednesday marked her second day on the job.
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