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SB 904

Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires each law enforcement agency to develop and implement an alternative crisis response unit; requires the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission to establish uniform training standards for alternative crisis response units in all law enforcement agencies. - Amends TCA Title 33 and Title 38.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by London Lamar

Tennessee law requires all police agencies to create alternative crisis response units with uniformly-trained staff to handle non-criminal emergencies instead of armed officers.

Failed in Senate Judiciary Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 904

Legislative bill overview

SB 904 mandates that every Tennessee law enforcement agency establish and operate an alternative crisis response unit (ACRU) staffed by trained personnel. The bill also requires the Tennessee Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission to develop uniform training standards that all agencies must follow when implementing these units.

Why is this important

This legislation represents a significant shift in how law enforcement responds to mental health crises, substance abuse incidents, and other non-criminal emergencies. Rather than armed police officers, ACRUs could deploy social workers, mental health professionals, or paramedics, potentially reducing arrests, hospitalizations, and unnecessary police involvement in vulnerable situations. This aligns with national trends toward police reform and alternative emergency response models.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and timeline: Requiring all agencies—from large urban departments to small rural sheriff's offices—to establish new units poses significant budget and staffing challenges that smaller municipalities may struggle to absorb
  • Uniform standards feasibility: Developing one-size-fits-all training standards for agencies with vastly different resources and community needs may prove impractical or inadequate for local contexts
  • Scope of "alternative crisis response": The bill doesn't clearly define which calls ACRUs should handle versus traditional police, potentially creating confusion about when units deploy and whether public safety concerns are addressed appropriately

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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