Daniel’s Law Task Force Recommends Overhaul of Behavioral Health Crisis Response in New York
The Daniel’s Law Task Force, named after Daniel Prude—a 41-year-old Black man who died on March 23, 2020, after being physically restrained by Rochester police—has released a groundbreaking report aimed at transforming how New York State addresses behavioral health crises.
Formed in the wake of Prude’s death, which sparked nationwide calls for reform, the task force’s recommendations were announced nearly a year ahead of schedule. The report proposes a standardized, health-led crisis response system that minimizes law enforcement involvement in mental health and substance use emergencies. The goal: compassionate, trauma-informed care.
“Daniel’s Law represents a commitment to reimagining crisis response and prioritizing health over enforcement,” said Dr. Ann Sullivan, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health. “This report provides a roadmap for building a trauma-informed system that ensures individuals in crisis receive the care they need without fear of harm.”
Key Recommendations
At the core of the task force’s report is the creation of health-led crisis response teams. These teams, made up of behavioral health professionals, would handle 911 and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline calls involving mental health or substance use issues. Law enforcement would only intervene in situations involving a clear threat of violence.
The task force also recommends pilot programs across New York’s urban, suburban, and rural areas. These pilots would:
Assess local resources.
Engage stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience.
Build partnerships to ensure a responsive system of care.
Additionally, the report calls for the establishment of a Technical Assistance Center to provide guidance, training, and monitoring for communities adopting health-led crisis response models. This center would work in collaboration with state agencies, local governments, 988 call centers, and an advisory council of individuals with lived experience to ensure equity and effectiveness.
Political and Community Reactions
The release of the report has drawn significant attention statewide. Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have largely praised the initiative, emphasizing its potential to prevent tragedies and offer more appropriate care for individuals in crisis.
“Following the 2020 RPD killing of Daniel Prude, our community recognized that a health-led, non-police response would have led to a different outcome—one in which Mr. Prude would’ve received the care he needed and had the chance to heal and recover,” said Rochester Councilmember Stanley Martin.
State Sen. Samra Brouk echoed this sentiment, stating, “By involving peers as trained, culturally competent individuals in the first line of response to such crises, we will reduce harm, address complex needs, and keep our public safe.”
However, Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposal’s feasibility. They question whether health professionals are prepared to handle crises traditionally managed by police, as well as the potential strain on resources and costs of statewide implementation.
Next Steps
Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators are expected to review the report and consider funding and legislative measures. Pilot programs could begin as early as next year, signaling a significant shift in how New York addresses behavioral health emergencies.
For more details, read the full report here.
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