Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Social workers will soon respond to certain types of 911 calls in Cambridge.
City officials are finalizing policies and protocols to have the Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) team take the lead during non-violent mental health emergencies, with police officers standing by in case they need help.
Read More: Mass. Cracks Down On Food And Drinks Infused With Hemp-Derived CBD, THC
According to the Boston Globe, the CARE team will also respond to well-being checks and complaints about loitering, and will alert family members when a loved one has died (as long as their death is not part of a homicide investigation).
The plan cannot go into place until negotiations wrap up between the city and its police unions.
"Could be helpful. It depends on how they’re trained, how well they’re trained, and how well they perceive their training," one homeless woman told WBZ NewsRadio Tuesday.
"The presence of an officer will immediately make a situation tense for a lot of folks, and maybe someone coming up with a lanyard and like a striped sweater might be a little different," another homeless woman said.
The CARE team, which is made up of five social workers and responders, is also looking to expand to eight members.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App | TikTok