Today, Explained How acid trips led to better policing
Mar 1, 2021
Rowan Moore Garrity, an author for The Atlantic, delves into Eugene, Oregon's innovative CAHOOTS program, designed as a compassionate alternative to traditional policing. He discusses the positive impact of dispatching medical professionals to handle mental health crises. The conversation covers community responses to this model and the complex partnership between CAHOOTS and local police, highlighting how such programs can reshape emergency responses. With insights from the ground, Garrity emphasizes the potential for reducing police involvement in sensitive situations.
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Episode notes
Ride-Along with CAHOOTS
- Rowan Moore Garrity witnessed CAHOOTS firsthand during a ride-along.
- They handled diverse situations, including a man with burning gloves and a knife, showcasing a de-escalation approach.
CAHOOTS Workers and Safety
- CAHOOTS workers like Chelsea Swift have diverse experience in crisis intervention and harm reduction.
- While prioritizing safety, they operate in gray areas, sometimes requiring police backup in about 1% of cases.
CAHOOTS Call Volume
- CAHOOTS handles around 17% of 911 calls in Eugene, Oregon.
- Police argue some calls, like non-emergency transport, wouldn't typically be police matters anyway.
