Seattle’s CARE Department Faces Challenges Two Years In

Seattle’s Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) department, designed as an alternative to traditional police responses for certain 911 calls, is grappling with bureaucratic hurdles and limitations two years after its launch. While the department has expanded its team and gained more autonomy, challenges remain in fully realizing its potential as a crisis response system.

What is the CARE Department?

The CARE Department represents Seattle’s third public safety department, established to provide a community-led response to individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. Led by Chief Amy Barden, the department dispatches unarmed crisis responders and behavioral health specialists to 911 calls deemed appropriate for a non-law enforcement approach. CARE also oversees the operations of Seattle 911.

Expansion and Autonomy

The CARE Team is expanding to 48 members in 2026, and its size is no longer capped by the city’s contract with the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild (SPOG). This represents a significant shift, as SPOG had historically resisted reducing the scope of police duties. However, the current contract also introduces new constraints on CARE’s operations.

Current Limitations

CARE faces several limitations that impact its ability to provide comprehensive support. These include:

• Restrictions on Intervention: CARE responders cannot assist individuals exhibiting recent drug use.
• Location Constraints: CARE is generally prohibited from entering most buildings or responding to individuals inside vehicles.
• Dispatch Control: Seattle Police Department (SPD) sergeants retain the authority to decide whether to dispatch CARE, police, or community service officers to crisis calls.

Lack of Collaboration with SPD

Despite operating within the same city, collaboration between CARE and the Seattle Police Department appears limited. Chief Barden has not had a one-on-one meeting with Police Chief Shon Barnes since Barnes’ appointment in late 2024. Barnes has publicly stated that SPD officers often resolve crises independently, questioning the necessitate for CARE’s assistance, stating officers are “problem solvers” who handle most situations themselves.

Challenges in Receiving Services

CARE responders have observed that individuals in crisis often decline services when offered by law enforcement. This highlights a perceived barrier to access when police are involved, as individuals may be hesitant to engage with officers during a vulnerable moment.

Leadership

Amy Barden serves as the Chief of the CARE Department. She brings twenty years of leadership experience from human service organizations across multiple states and holds advanced degrees in ethical leadership, administration, and organizational learning, including a doctorate from Vanderbilt University with a focus on data science and behavioral research.

Charlotte Joseph is a Deputy Chief within CARE, overseeing the 9-1-1 Communications Center, including staffing, training, and legal compliance.

Looking Ahead

As Seattle transitions under new mayor Katie Wilson and a more progressive City Council, the future of the CARE Department remains a key focus. Addressing the existing limitations and fostering greater collaboration with the SPD will be crucial to maximizing the effectiveness of this alternative crisis response system.