On Wednesday, February 18, community members are invited to gather for an evening conversation about how Seattle is rethinking public safety and emergency response. Redesigning First Response: Balancing Compassion with Accountability takes place from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism (108 NW 83rd St), and is presented by The Marici Fellowship in partnership with the City of Seattle’s CARE Department.
This event explores a simple but powerful idea: not every 9-1-1 call requires an armed law enforcement response. In many situations, especially those involving behavioral health crises, substance use, or homelessness-related concerns, a person-centered and compassionate approach can lead to safer and more effective outcomes for everyone involved. During the presentation, attendees will learn more about the City of Seattle’s CARE Team and how it contributes to community safety and well-being.
The Seattle CARE Team—which stands for Community Assisted Response and Engagement—was created to provide an alternative emergency response model that pairs specially trained civilian responders with medical or behavioral health expertise. CARE teams focus on de-escalation, connection to services, and immediate support, helping people in crisis access the right resources while reducing unnecessary involvement with law enforcement and emergency rooms. Since its launch, the CARE program has become an important part of Seattle’s broader efforts to respond to crises with dignity, effectiveness, and accountability.
Community Crisis Responders will be on hand to share real-world experiences from their work in Seattle neighborhoods, offering insight into how this approach functions on the ground and what it looks like to balance compassion with public safety responsibilities. The evening is designed to be informative and accessible, whether you are new to the CARE model or already following changes in first response systems.
This event offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in dialogue about how cities can evolve emergency response to better meet the complex needs of their communities. All are welcome to attend and be part of the conversation.