City of Tacoma Highlights Performance Milestones, Efficiency of Alternative Response Programs

~ Tacoma, WA - The City of Tacoma has released a comprehensive update on its alternative response programs, showcasing the success of specialized teams in connecting vulnerable individuals with necessary support and services while efficiently utilizing public safety resources.

The update highlighted the achievements of four key teams: Holistic Outreach Promoting Engagement (HOPE), Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison (HEAL), Community Safety Officers (CSOs), and Library Patron Support Team. These teams have been implementing data-informed strategies to engage with individuals in a consent-based and trauma-informed manner.

Since its phased rollout in mid-2023, the HOPE team has made 4,405 program contacts and over 2,200 direct field dispatches to provide behavioral health support to those in need. The HEAL team, which transitioned from a reactive single-employee model to a proactive coordinated system, has shown significant improvements in efficiency. Since November 2022, they have placed 850 individuals into shelter, identified over 4,300 individuals interested in services, and reduced their average request closure time from 11.9 days to just 6.5 days.

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The CSOs, consisting of five staff members, have responded to 3,754 dispatched non-emergency calls. With an average of nine calls per day, this team diverts low-risk non-emergency police calls away from sworn officers when there is no immediate threat to life or property.

In addition to these teams, the Library Patron Support Team has also been successful in meeting the evolving needs of the community as a resource hub. In 719 interactions with patrons, they have met 76% of their needs onsite and achieved a referral rate of 24%, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.

For more information on Tacoma's alternative response programs, visit tacoma.gov/alternativeresponse. These programs continue to make a positive impact on the community by providing necessary support and services while effectively utilizing public safety resources.

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