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Hey #Bothell, got a moment to help change our public safety approach? On July 7 the city council will set budget priorities for the new year, and appears open to funding mental health and social service responders to 911 calls rather than just police using the public safety levy.
This is a really big deal - we need to fund positive alternative frameworks for public safety and emergency response. Debundling the various roles played by police is in my opinion a key step towards #DefundThePolice, and we have a chance to do so - and shift funding $- here.
This isn't just notional: Bothell and several nearby cities already has a pilot RADAR / Navigator program that lets mental health professionals make first contact with folks who are in crisis (with police backup only if needed): https://www.kirklandwa.gov/NewsRoom/Mental_Health_Field_Response_Grant_Awarded_to_North_Sound_Radar_Navigator_Program.htm
Similar programs like the White Bird Clinic's CAHOOT's program ( https://whitebirdclinic.org/services/cahoots/) have been hugely successful - responding to 17% of Eugene/Springfield 911 calls with only about 1% of the police budget and requiring police backup < 1% of the time.
Our own police chief Ken Seuberlich said in the city council meeting that he strongly supports RADAR and other non-police responses bc it provides more genuine services to people in crisis - police can drop someone off at a hospital but that's about it.
Police services have been debundled before - transporting hurt people used to be a police duty that went pretty badly on average. Black men and women forming volunteer units in Pittsburgh changed that and laid the groundwork for modern ambulance services: https://www.emsworld.com/article/1222574/forgotten-legacy-freedom-house
So here's what I think we should ask for:
- Use public safety levy funds to fund a 911- responsive Mobile Crisis Response Unit for Bothell with at least 2 mental health and 1 social service positions
- Provide with 2 city vans
- House in building behind the court (75k)
- Use public safety levy funds to fund a 911- responsive Mobile Crisis Response Unit for Bothell with at least 2 mental health and 1 social service positions
- Provide with 2 city vans
- House in building behind the court (75k)
You may have other ideas and that's great too, but broadly I hope we can push for non-police mental health, homelessness, and drug addiction emergency responders or services using our public safety levy. Funding can come from not filling frozen police public safety positions.
You can contact all members of the Bothell City Council here: [email protected] and CC [email protected]
City council doesn't get that many e-mails so your letter *will* make an impact.
City council doesn't get that many e-mails so your letter *will* make an impact.
Here's what I wrote them: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yg4zdFoCA6cA43QMZeycj89uZtNXhqAnFggDMLEoGTI/edit?usp=sharing
I was trying to keep things super positive but I think other approaches are also valid and useful.
I was trying to keep things super positive but I think other approaches are also valid and useful.
Alternatively or in addition, you can also call Mayor Liam Olsen directly at his official number: 425-299-7081
I called about #BLM a couple times over a few days and he called back and we had a 20+ minute discussion so these calls do matter.
I called about #BLM a couple times over a few days and he called back and we had a 20+ minute discussion so these calls do matter.
You can also make a public comment in writing or by phone but need to give notice by 3pm the day of the meeting and then on the meeting. (I've not done this yet but I'm guessing the city clerk can sign one up or say what one needs to do?) Link here: http://www.ci.bothell.wa.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=978
TL;DR The July 7 Bothell City Council budget meeting is a key chance to fund mental health and social services not just police with public safety $. I'd love it if you'd drop 'em a note.
Tagging a couple folks who may be interested: @EdwinLindo @IndivisEastside @Astromantic
Tagging a couple folks who may be interested: @EdwinLindo @IndivisEastside @Astromantic
