CAHOOTS, the longstanding alternative response model which looks to provide mobile crisis intervention in non-violent crises, is struggling to meet the increase
Every time I have attended a public comment session at Eugene City Council relating to the budget or EPD, I have consistently heard from citizens that they want more of EPDs budget directed to cahoots. Every time, City Council just raises EPDs budget while cutting basically every other service the city provides. It's absolutely maddening.
Agreed, we need some means of enforcing that money goes to actually helping people on the streets - ideally, by helping them get off the streets in some way other than just arresting them again.