"The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) has been working closely with the Cambridge Community Safety Department's CARE team as they begin responding to limited 911 calls. Police Commissioner Christine Elow says this new resource is an opportunity to help the City of Cambridge enhance its outreach.

As has been demonstrated in other cities, having a non-police response to a limited and select number of 911 calls can be beneficial to the community. Our officers have many responsibilities day to day and having a partner who can respond to certain calls will be a valuable resource for our most vulnerable. CPD is committed to finding innovative ways to approach our work to provide services to everyone in our community.

Early on, CPD contributed to CARE's training, while also having their staff spend time with our officers and professional staff in the field, which we believe has helped build a foundation for future growth. Any new work in progress requires collaboration and we are open and excited about this partnership."