An Orange County grand jury has recommended significant changes to the Orlando Police Department’s Community Response Team (CRT) following the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Rachael Ellis in July 2023, where officers acted lawfully in response to her threatening behavior. The grand jury acknowledged the need for improved staffing and resources for the CRT, which currently relies on contracted mental health clinicians with limited availability. Key recommendations include implementing a co-response model where mental health professionals work alongside officers during crises, increasing financial support to expand the CRT, and using plainclothes officers to reduce the potential for escalating situations. While the officers involved in Ellis's shooting were cleared of wrongdoing, the grand jury emphasized that these changes could enhance safety for both the community and law enforcement. The Orlando Police Department is actively seeking to improve the CRT and integrate mental health support into its operations.