Rochester is expanding its Person in Crisis (PIC) team by adding seven “peer navigators” through a $2 million state-funded pilot program. This initiative aims to integrate individuals with lived experience into mobile crisis response, complementing existing counselors who assist residents facing mental health or substance use emergencies. The expansion follows the 2021 launch of the PIC team, which was established in the aftermath of Daniel Prude’s death in March 2020.
How Peer Navigators Change Crisis Response
Peer navigators bring a unique perspective to emergency services because they share lived experiences with the community members they serve. According to Alia Henton-Williams, manager of the city’s Crisis Intervention Services Unit, PIC team members are already relatable as neighbors and community residents. However, peer navigators offer a specialized form of connection that helps them address the specific challenges community members face on the street.
This expansion is part of a broader state pilot effort to build a network of crisis response teams. Alongside Rochester, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services and the Children’s Home of Jefferson County were also awarded $2 million each to support their respective pilot programs.
The PIC team has handled over 30,000 calls since its inception in early 2021. The vast majority of these requests originated from 911 calls, with staff sometimes responding independently and other times alongside the Rochester Police Department.
What Data Reveals About the PIC Team’s Impact
Measuring the success of non-police crisis response relies on specific performance indicators. According to city data, the PIC team’s interventions have led to 7,058 medical health transports and 1,162 transports to other locations. Notably, only 160 individuals declined services, and only 55 people—approximately 0.2% of all calls—resulted in an arrest.
Henton-Williams notes that while the goal is to reach zero arrests, the team is pleased with the current metrics. The core objectives for the PIC team remain lowering the number of arrests for those in crisis and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations or emergency room visits.
Why Legislative Efforts Like Daniel’s Law Remain Relevant
The creation of the PIC team serves as a local response to the death of Daniel Prude, who died in March 2020 after being restrained by Rochester police while experiencing a mental health crisis. His death sparked widespread protests and prompted significant calls for reform in how police handle mental health emergencies.
While the city’s pilot program is underway, state-level legislation known as “Daniel’s Law” remains in committee. Sen. Samra Brouk, who has reintroduced the legislation every session since 2021, envisions a statewide council to help local governments develop preventive and rehabilitative crisis services. Brouk stated that while the bill is pending, the pilot funding represents an encouraging start to building momentum for non-police, peer-led compassionate responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the role of a peer navigator? Peer navigators are individuals with lived experience who join crisis teams to help better serve community members dealing with mental health or substance use issues.
- How many arrests have occurred during PIC responses? According to city data, 55 people have been arrested during a PIC response, which accounts for approximately 0.2% of the more than 30,000 calls received since 2021.
- Is Daniel’s Law currently in effect? No. The legislation, which would establish a statewide emergency and crisis response council, has been introduced by Sen. Samra Brouk annually since 2021 but has not yet made it out of committee.
If you are interested in the future of municipal budgets, keep an eye on the Rochester City Council. The funding for these seven new peer navigator positions is included in the proposed city budget for the upcoming year, which is scheduled for a vote this month.
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