SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – At the Springfield City Council’s latest session, Alderman Jennifer Notariano advocated spending $75,000 on a predictive‑software platform from Benchmark Analytics to identify police officers who may need mental‑health assistance. The proposal was raised while council members were voting on the purchase of ten Ford Explorer Police Interceptors, each priced at $62,000.
Union leader questions the technology
David Amerson, executive director of the Illinois Police Benevolent Labor Committee, warned that the software – originally designed to flag officer misconduct before it pivoted to wellness – could reduce a complex issue like mental health to a simple score. “Frankly, I can’t help but feel that this brouhaha at this stage of the budget process, when the budget has already been adopted, is probably less about officer mental health and more about scoring political points for an upcoming municipal election,” Amerson said.
Springfield voters will choose a new mayor and aldermen on April 6, 2027, and Amerson suggested the timing aligns with campaign motives rather than genuine concern for officers.
No budget line for the software
The Benchmark Analytics tool is not listed in the city’s adopted budget, whereas the ten Explorer SUVs are. Amerson noted that while Benchmark’s product may be comparable to other vendors, the city has not conducted any research or investigation into its effectiveness. He described the approach as a “subscription service you just log onto and you don’t have to worry about mental health counseling; you just get a score how everyone’s mental health is.”
Human counselors remain the gold standard
Amerson emphasized that the “gold standard” for monitoring police mental health is requiring all officers to see a human counselor. He argued that no algorithm can replace the nuance and empathy a trained professional provides, especially when dealing with trauma, stress, and the unique pressures of law‑enforcement work.
Council members have approved the purchase of the ten police SUVs, a decision that will enhance the department’s patrol capabilities. The debate over the software, however, highlights a broader conversation about how municipalities allocate limited resources to support officer wellness.
What’s next?
The council has not yet scheduled a vote on the Benchmark Analytics proposal. If approved, the city would allocate $75,000 from its discretionary funds, a move that could set a precedent for other Illinois municipalities considering AI‑driven wellness tools.
Union representatives plan to continue advocating for direct counseling services, urging council members to prioritize proven, human‑based solutions over untested technology. As the 2027 municipal election approaches, both sides are likely to use the issue to demonstrate their commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
