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Mobile Crisis Response Teams Support Better Policing: Evidence from CAHOOTS

Author

Listed:
  • Jonathan Davis
  • Samuel Norris
  • Jadon Schmitt
  • Yotam Shem-Tov
  • Chelsea Strickland

Abstract

This paper provides the first evaluation of CAHOOTS in Eugene, Oregon, the longest-running U.S. civilian mobile crisis response team (CRT) program, which sends a non-uniformed mental health worker and medic to 911 calls. We find that program expansions into new areas and hours reduced arrests by 24 percentage points, likely reflecting CRTs’ role in de-escalating tense situations. To assess the gains from further expansion, we exploit idiosyncratic variation in CRT availability to estimate the effect of marginal CRT responses. Most marginal responses do not affect arrests and would otherwise go unanswered, suggesting the program already covers the most urgent calls.

Suggested Citation

  • Jonathan Davis & Samuel Norris & Jadon Schmitt & Yotam Shem-Tov & Chelsea Strickland, 2025. "Mobile Crisis Response Teams Support Better Policing: Evidence from CAHOOTS," NBER Working Papers 33761, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33761
    Note: EH LS PE
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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