Mayor Harrell announces CARE, Seattle’s New Public Safety Department

9/21/202329:18

Mayor Bruce Harrell provides updates regarding the upcoming launch of Seattle’s new Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department, detailing the vision, timelines, and staffing progress for the department, including his proposal for a $6 million increase in the department’s budget.

CARE will be Seattle’s third public safety department, aligning existing community-focused and non-police public safety investments and programs. The new department will have three divisions: emergency call takers and dispatchers in the 911 Center; community-focused public safety responders including behavioral health professionals; and violence intervention specialists currently siloed in different departments. CARE will be led by Amy Smith, Ed.D.

Read more about CARE on the Mayor's blog.

Speakers and attendees include:

Mayor Bruce Harrell, City of Seattle

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, Seattle Fire Department

Police Chief Adrian Diaz, Seattle Police Department

Amy Smith, Acting Chief, CARE

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