QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should Columbia employ mental health workers to go on police calls?

A man who was reportedly suicidal died last week after exchanging fire with officers, Columbia police have said.

The man's family also said Marquis Rivera was having a mental health crisis when he died from a gunshot outside a Columbia apartment building Friday.

Pairing mental health specialists with police for some calls has gained favor in some places and Columbia is looking at such a program. It would come with a cost of $600,000.

Does Columbia need such a program? Vote in the poll.