New Jersey Senate Bill S1772

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes procedures for intake and record keeping of certain 9-1-1 calls.

Impact

Should S1772 be enacted, it would amend existing laws related to emergency telecommunications, enhancing procedures for the handling of calls that involve vulnerable populations. The legislation requires PSAPs and public safety dispatch points (PSDPs) to maintain detailed records of interactions with individuals exhibiting emotional or behavioral disorders. This could lead to better-prepared responses from law enforcement and emergency services, potentially decreasing the risk of misunderstandings or escalated situations.

Summary

Senate Bill S1772 aims to establish new procedures for the intake and record-keeping of 9-1-1 calls specifically related to individuals believed to be suffering from emotional or behavioral disorders. The bill mandates that call-takers at public safety answering points (PSAPs) inquire about such disorders as part of their emergency response protocols. By doing so, the bill seeks to improve safety for both emergency responders and individuals in crisis by ensuring that relevant information is conveyed during dispatch.

Contention

While the bill seeks to improve emergency response systems, there may be concerns regarding the privacy and handling of sensitive information regarding mental health. Critics might argue that documenting such information could lead to stigmatization or misuse. Moreover, the effectiveness of the call-taker's training and the systems in place for utilizing this information in real-time may also be questioned, highlighting potential gaps between policy and execution. Ensuring adequate training for call-takers would be essential to address such concerns.