politics
Chief Amy Smith’s plans for Seattle’s CARE Department
Appointed Tuesday, she wants to expand the police alternative program, reduce 911 response times and expand criminal diversion efforts.
Appointed Tuesday, she wants to expand the police alternative program, reduce 911 response times and expand criminal diversion efforts.
The Court ruled that laws limiting public sleeping are not cruel and unusual, regardless of shelter, which advocates fear will lead to “dystopian” bans.
The CARE department will hire 18 additional responders, three supervisors and work seven days a week addressing mental and behavioral health crises.
The money has helped accelerate housing construction in the state, but there’s still only one affordable home for every five households that need one.
The Grants Pass v. Johnson decision could make it easier to sweep encampments, but advocates say it may hinder the ability to get stable housing.