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Dialing Down the Sirens: The Impact of 988-911 Colocation on Emergency Dispatching and Demand
Dissertation

Dialing Down the Sirens: The Impact of 988-911 Colocation on Emergency Dispatching and Demand

Christina Lynn Shellabarger
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
2026
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Open Access CC BY-ND V4.0

Abstract

988 Lifeline Crisis Intervention Cross-system Collaboration Emergency Dispatch Law Enforcement Quantitative Public administration
Expectations of the public safety system have steadily increased, intertwining police responses with the resolution of social and behavioral health concerns. It is now recognized that justice system involvement may be inappropriate for many vulnerable populations, prompting discussions about reducing unnecessary police contact and developing community-based responder models. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was introduced as an alternative and preventative option for behavioral health crises, and Washington State has advanced this goal through cross-system initiatives, including pilot colocated 988–911 call centers and bidirectional transfer processes designed to improve collaboration and limit inappropriate involvement of the justice system in behavioral health emergencies. This dissertation explored how 988–911 colocation affects emergency dispatching and demand by analyzing nearly a decade of Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) data from Pierce County’s South Sound 911—the first and only pilot site with in-person colocation. Temporal models examined trend forecasting, change point detection, and intervention effects, while geospatial models assessed evolving trends. Despite some overlap in calls related to civil caretaking, mental health, and 988 intervention from a frequentist perspective, the factors influencing call rates and resolution times differ. Findings showed that while some temporal shifts aligned with colocation, local spatial characteristics were stronger predictors, with effects varying significantly across different outcomes and locations. The study also found that most 988 system involvement occurred through “Support” calls, in which counselors assisted with incidents initiated and resolved within the 911 system, emphasizing the need to view effects through a cross-systems lens. This research highlights that effective reform requires attention to existing resources, collaboration strategies, and local context rather than isolated policy changes.

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