Seattle’s commitment to public safety took a significant step forward with the launch of the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department’s Dual Dispatch system. This innovative approach to emergency response aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling emergency calls. The program sends behavioral health responders on 911 calls.
The CARE Department’s Dual Dispatch system is a groundbreaking initiative that enhances Seattle’s emergency response capabilities. Traditionally, emergency calls are triaged by dispatchers who determine whether the situation requires police, fire, or medical assistance. However, with Dual Dispatch, highly trained specialists from both the police and social service sectors collaborate to ensure the appropriate response is dispatched promptly.
This approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the situation, leading to better outcomes for those in need. “Our mission as a City government is to help people in need and keep them safe – this innovative new approach will help us better serve our residents. The lessons we learn – and the people we help – through the efforts of this new CARE responder team will allow us to move forward as we establish a true third public safety department to work alongside our police officers and firefighters to keep our communities safe,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell.
The program will first focus on Downtown Seattle to include the Chinatown-International District and SODO, operating from 11 am to 11pm. “This pilot will not change our systems overnight, but it is another tool to advance safety and an important step forward, a reflection of years of diligent work by city and community leaders to build policies, shared understandings, and, most of all, trust. Rooted in bringing people together, this One Seattle effort is advancing shared goals of keeping Seattle residents safe and ensuring that people in crisis get the appropriate care,” said the Mayor.
By incorporating social service experts into the emergency response framework, Dual Dispatch expands Seattle’s emergency toolkit beyond traditional law enforcement. This approach recognizes that not all emergency situations require a police presence and that addressing the root causes of certain incidents can lead to more effective outcomes. By dispatching the appropriate resources, such as mental health professionals or social workers, Dual Dispatch aims to provide the necessary support and assistance to individuals in crisis.
