California Senator Proposes Changes to 911 Response, Cites Experience of Abuse

The experience that she had after calling 911 to report an unhealthy relationship prompted California State Senator Sydney Kamlager to push the legislation that would change the way police respond to nonviolent 911 calls in the state.

Based on the Los Angeles Democrat, she has not called 911 since her ex-boyfriend showed up at her house unwanted and unannounced. Kamlager also shared on her podcast 'It's All Political' that despite being burglarized, mugged, and attacked at a gunpoint at a bank, she did not call 911.

California State Senator Sydney Kamlager mentioned that her legislation called the Crises Act was shaped by an incident that happened 25 years ago. The senator shared that after being involved in an unhealthy relationship, she immediately obtained a court order and restraining order to keep the man away from his life.

One day, the man returned, which prompted her to call the police after mentioning that he was violating the restraining order. Kamlager shared that after calling 911, it took them a very long time to arrive. She also shared that she personally did not want to involve law enforcement because it was too personal and it was between former partners but she needed help.

Crises Act

According to San Francisco Chronicle, State Senator Sydney Kamlager shared that 45 minutes later after her 911 call, the police arrived at her doorsteps but her ex-boyfriend had already left. Instead of hearing any kind of help from the officer who responded at the scene, the police stated that there's no need for him to be there because the reported guy already left.

Also, the police mentioned that maybe next time Kamlager should think better about the guy she wants to get a relationship with. And that stayed with her for a very long time as it shamed her.

Kamlager also shared some of her experiences with the police response and these inspired her in writing the Crises Act. She added that the people of California should be provided with other outlets that enable them to reach out and call for help when they are having a crisis or an emergency. Kalmager said, it will be a response team that will not shame the victims, will not deny any support, and there will be no shooting, The Appeal reported.

The measure, AB118, would create a pilot program that moves out the law enforcement in the response situation and would send community-based organizations out into the field to respond to (nonviolent) 911 calls. The California State Senator also emphasized that 70% of 911 calls are nonviolent and non-criminal in nature.

California State Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Kamlager's similar bill last year and mentioned that the Office of Emergency Services also shared that it is not the appropriate location for the pilot program. But this time, the senator hopes to house the program in the Department of Social Services.

Kamlager also pointed out that aside from the victims, some nonviolent calls turn into violent ones.

WATCH: Assemblymember Sydney Kamlager Urges Governor Newsom to Sign the CRISES Act - California Assembly Democrats