Qualitative Findings from the SAVE Co-response Program in Philadelphia (Sponsored by Division of Police)

• In Event: Policing Homelessness and Quality of Life Issues: The Impetus for Improvement

Abstract

Police routinely encounter those experiencing homelessness, drug addiction, or mental illness and increasingly recognize the value in helping these people into treatment or shelter. The SAVE program in Philadelphia, a co-response model which partners a transit officer with a civilian outreach worker, was developed to provide a service-oriented response to the vulnerable population taking shelter in Philadelphia’s transit system. The current study presents the qualitative findings from the SAVE evaluation in Philadelphia and draws from 150 hours of fieldwork alongside SAVE teams, as well as interviews conducted with key stakeholders upon the completion of the experimental portion of the study. Findings illuminate the importance of practitioner competency in co-response programs. Specialized training to deal with vulnerability conditions, a compassionate and patient approach, and local service knowledge were highlighted by stakeholders as essential for co-response efficacy. Logistical components such as staffing and the physical demands of the job are also discussed. The current study adds to policing scholarship at a time when police departments are critically examining the allocation of resources regarding issues at the intersection of policing and public health. The findings highlight key aspects of the SAVE model that contribute to the efficacy of co-response programs.

Authors

• Hayley Wight, Temple University

• Jerry H. Ratcliffe, Temple University