Mamdani's Vision for Police Reform: A New Approach to Mental Health Calls
The city of Albany is pioneering a novel program that could shape the future of law enforcement in New York City under Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's leadership. This initiative, known as the Community Advocacy Response Team (CART), aims to reduce police involvement in mental health-related emergencies by dispatching unarmed social workers instead.
The Albany Police Department's CART Team operates as a dedicated unit, deploying teams of two social service caseworkers in a city car to respond to non-criminal 911 calls. This approach not only frees up armed police officers for more critical situations but also provides a more empathetic and resource-rich response to those in need.
Diana Macy, a senior crisis caseworker, highlights the team's unique role: "We're the walking encyclopedias for resources to address social determinants." This contrasts sharply with the traditional role of police officers, who are primarily trained in penal codes and laws.
Similar programs are emerging across the country, though often operating independently of police departments. In Rochester, Hope First Roc encourages residents to call for non-police matters, while in Kingston, specially trained police officers proactively engage in high-crime areas. New York City's B-HEARD program also combines social workers and emergency medical technicians to handle specific 911 calls.
Mamdani emphasizes the potential of these alternative response models, stating, "There were 35% of calls that B-HEARD was eligible for they did not respond to, and the police responded." He aims to integrate such programs into a new Department of Community Safety, independent of the NYPD.
Albany's CART team has been co-responding with police officers initially, but the goal is to eventually dispatch CART workers alone to certain calls. Police Chief Brendan Cox acknowledges the program's effectiveness, stating, "I think we found that balance."
The CART workers' approach is both practical and empathetic. They provide resources, such as health insurance sign-up instructions and information about a drop-in center offering meals and showers. This proactive and personalized assistance can prevent unnecessary police involvement.
A notable success story involves an elderly woman who repeatedly called 911, believing her car was stolen. While officers couldn't find evidence, the social worker determined that the woman had sold the car three years ago due to dementia. By addressing her stable housing and access to services, the worker redirected her calls to her cell phone, ensuring her needs were met without police intervention.
The program's impact is evident in a recent incident where a man threatening staff and residents at a group home was successfully redirected to a warming center. This outcome not only de-escalated the situation but also showcased the program's ability to provide immediate and appropriate support.
As the sun sets, the CART workers continue their patrols, offering a unique blend of compassion and resourcefulness. Their work reflects a growing movement towards a more holistic approach to public safety, one that prioritizes community well-being over law enforcement.
