An “Untethered” Police Co-Response Model: Early Results from an Evaluation of Project SCOPE 

• In Event: Project SCOPE: Philadelphia's New Model of Police Co-Response

Abstract

This study presents findings from a pilot evaluation of Project SCOPE, a police co-response program implemented with transit police in Philadelphia. The program aims to address safety and public health concerns related to vulnerable population members seeking refuge in Philadelphia subway stations. Project SCOPE employs an "untethered" police co-response model to (1) connect vulnerable individuals (e.g., those experiencing homelessness, addiction, or serious mental health crises) to social services, while (2) altering the approach to police enforcement actions (e.g., citations, arrests, removals) in subway stations with SCOPE outreach teams. In an untethered co-response model, social outreach teams operate independently from police patrols, stationed at subway stations to offer services to vulnerable individuals. Results from the pilot evaluation (covering the initial 27 weeks of the program) demonstrate increasing success in the proportion of vulnerable individuals accepting offers for social services by the outreach teams. Additionally, the study shows changes in certain police enforcement actions.

Authors

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Robert Kane, Drexel University

• Matthew Teti, Drexel University