CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A pilot program in Charlotte is showing promise while also freeing up resources in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
The city's CARE Team uses licensed social workers to respond to low-level calls for service instead of police officers.
On Monday, the group gave the City Council's housing committee an update on the pilot program and how it has expanded since its start.
The CARE Team consists of licensed social workers who go on what would normally be low-risk 911 calls often involving calls with mental health and other types of non-violent crises. There have been more than 260 calls since the start of the program.
They say their goal is to reduce the need for emergency services while providing the appropriate response for people in need. This helps increase the connectivity between first responders and community partners, without using police officers who could then focus on other more urgent calls.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Wake Up Charlotte To Go is a daily news and weather podcast you can listen to so you can start your day with the team at Wake Up Charlotte.
SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora || TuneIn || Google Podcasts || iHeart
All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.