Louisville Launches Mental Health Crisis Pilot
Officers in four city divisions now have remote access to psychologists during mental health crisis calls.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Mental Health
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Louisville Metro Police launched a pilot program that connects officers to remote psychologists during behavioral health crises using live body-worn camera feeds. This initiative aims to assist members of the Advanced Crisis Team during mental health interventions.
Why it matters
The program provides officers with professional mental health expertise in real time, following recent fatal police shootings of individuals experiencing crises. It is designed to offer additional support for managing behavioral health calls in the community.
In 2025, Louisville police managed 3,235 crisis intervention calls, with 97% resolved without force and 1% involving tasers or pepper spray. This pilot program, currently under evaluation, seeks to maintain or improve these outcomes through remote professional guidance.
The players
Louisville Metro Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and response to mental health crises.
Shelton Forensic Solutions
A forensic consultancy providing psychological expertise for the crisis intervention pilot.
Paul Humphrey
The Police Chief of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
The details
Advanced Crisis Team officers can now initiate a live stream from their body-worn cameras when they determine a behavioral health situation requires expert input. A psychologist from Shelton Forensic Solutions monitors the audio and video in real time to offer guidance. This remote connection operates 12 hours a day across four specific patrol divisions to support officers on the scene.
Timeline
2025 saw 3,235 crisis intervention calls.
March 2026 marked the fatal shooting of Katelyn Hall.
May 2026 saw the fatal shooting of Martin Nitzken Jr.
August 28, 2026, was when Chief Paul Humphrey issued a memo on the team.
October 2026 marked the launch of the pilot program.
Health Landscape
This pilot program reflects a broader trend in integrating mental health professionals into law enforcement responses to behavioral health emergencies. It specifically follows the fatal police shooting of Katelyn Hall to enhance officer decision-making during volatile crisis encounters.
This program aims to de-escalate crisis situations, which is a critical safety consideration for individuals navigating mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is in crisis, prioritize contacting dedicated mental health resources or emergency services.
The takeaway
The addition of remote psychological support is a significant development in how police manage behavioral health interactions in Louisville. Residents are encouraged to be aware that this pilot is currently active in the third, fourth, fifth, and eighth patrol divisions.
Further reading
For more information on local initiatives, visit our Mental Health section.
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