What's Happening?
University of Oregon researchers have released a new study indicating that the mobile crisis counseling service CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets) diverted significantly more calls from the Eugene Police Department (EPD) than earlier
estimates suggested. A 2022 EPD summary report had placed the diversion rate between 3% and 8% based on call data from the previous year. However, the UO research team developed three new measurement standards, finding more accurate and higher diversion rates. The 'Substitution Diversion Rate' showed CAHOOTS diverted 18% of calls that would have otherwise gone to the EPD. This figure increased to 23% with the 'Prevention-adjusted Diversion Rate,' which accounts for calls diverted from the emergency response system due to CAHOOTS' early intervention. Furthermore, the 'Overlapping-mandate Diversion rate' revealed that 50% of calls that fell within overlapping duties for both EPD and CAHOOTS were diverted to CAHOOTS. Rori Rohlfs, a UO associate professor of data science involved in the research, expressed hope that local officials would review the study.
Why It's Important?
This research is important because it provides a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the impact of mobile crisis intervention programs like CAHOOTS on emergency response systems. The significantly higher diversion rates suggest that such programs can play a more substantial role in reducing the burden on law enforcement than previously recognized. This has implications for resource allocation and policy decisions in communities across the U.S. that are considering or implementing similar alternative response units. By demonstrating a greater capacity for diversion, the study strengthens the argument for increased funding and support for these programs, potentially leading to more effective and appropriate responses to mental health crises and quality-of-life issues. It also highlights the need for robust methodological approaches in evaluating the efficacy of alternative policing models, offering a framework for other cities to systematically analyze their own diversion rates and make evidence-based decisions.
What's Next?
The UO researchers, including Rori Rohlfs, hope that local officials will read and consider the findings of their study. The study's publication in the journal Science Advances provides a credible basis for policy discussions. Communities across the country, many of which have adopted or are considering CAHOOTS-like models, may use this research to re-evaluate their own diversion rates and resource allocation strategies. The findings could prompt renewed calls for funding and expansion of mobile crisis programs, particularly in areas where such services have faced budget cuts, as was the case in Eugene where the City stopped funding CAHOOTS operations last year. The research also sets a precedent for how future evaluations of alternative response units should be conducted, emphasizing the importance of specific quantitative analyses to inform policy and resource allocation decisions.
Beyond the Headlines
The study's findings delve into the deeper implications of how communities address low-level offenses and welfare checks, particularly amidst the ongoing crisis of unsheltered homelessness. By demonstrating the significant impact of CAHOOTS, the research implicitly challenges traditional policing models for certain types of calls, suggesting that non-law enforcement interventions can be highly effective. This raises ethical and societal questions about the appropriate role of police in situations involving mental health, addiction, and homelessness, and advocates for a more compassionate and specialized approach. The methodological advancements in measuring diversion rates offer a critical tool for social scientists and criminologists, enabling a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between community care, emergency services, and public safety. This shift in understanding could lead to long-term changes in how urban centers structure their emergency response systems, prioritizing community-based solutions for non-violent incidents and fostering a more integrated approach to public well-being.
