H.R. 8886 — SMART Community Policing Act

This section states the purpose of the Act to strengthen community policing programs to de-escalate interactions with law enforcement officers for non-violent individuals experiencing crisis or trauma related to mental health issues, poverty, homelessness, or substance use disorders; build collaborative partnerships to connect individuals with mental health services and community resources; and improve outcomes for communities and officers by delivering appropriate treatment and support services.

This section authorizes the use of COPS grants to establish or expand mobile crisis team programs that hire mental health professionals and paramedics to respond to 911 calls and community requests, stabilize mental health crises, and secure treatment services. It also authorizes grants for co-responder programs that pair law enforcement officers with behavioral health clinicians or paramedics to de-escalate crises and connect individuals to services, and for case management and outreach teams that follow up with frequent emergency service users to reduce repeat law enforcement interactions.