Reimagining Police Co-Response: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Project SCOPE in Philadelphia

• In Event: The Future of Transit-Based Crisis Response: Insights from Project SCOPE’s Implementation and Impact

Abstract

This study presents findings from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating Project SCOPE in Philadelphia. Designed to address safety and public health concerns associated with vulnerable populations seeking refuge in transit stations, Project SCOPE employs an "untethered" co-response model with two primary objectives: (1) connecting individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and serious mental health crises to social services, and (2) reducing citations, arrests, and removals of vulnerable individuals in stations where SCOPE teams operate. While SEPTA did not frame SCOPE within the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) model, its outreach teams function in ways that align with FACT principles by providing independent, community-based support while maintaining the ability to request police assistance when necessary. The RCT included seven transit stations, with four randomly assigned each week to receive SCOPE teams, while the remaining three served as control stations. Outreach workers and SEPTA Police tracked service engagement and enforcement actions over one year, showing that SCOPE teams progressively improved service acceptance rates while also mitigating police enforcement responses. Results suggest that untethered co-response models informed by FACT principles may offer a viable strategy for reducing the social burden on transit police and improving service delivery in public transit environments.

Authors

• Robert J. Kane, Drexel University

• Jordan Hyatt, Drexel University

• Matthew Teti, University of Houston-Downtown