New York City leaders have proposed removing police officers from the response to certain mental health emergencies and relying instead on civilian response teams. But can a purely civilian model safely and effectively manage these unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations?

Please join Manhattan Institute for the 2026 George L. Kelling Lecture, featuring Jerry Ratcliffe, professor of practice in the Department of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, in conversation with Rafael A. Mangual, Manhattan Institute’s Nick Ohnell Fellow and a contributing editor of City Journal.

Drawing on evidence from alternative-response programs across the country, Professor Ratcliffe will examine the challenges of implementing a civilian-only response model, what similar efforts have taught us, and what those lessons could mean for New York City.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
6:00–8:00 p.m.

The Harvard Club of New York City
Harvard Hall
35 W. 44th Street
New York, NY 10036