Alternatives to Police Response

Communities across the U.S. are reimagining public safety services and systems. From rethinking emergency response and reforming police practices to re-envisioning traffic enforcement, cities are searching for strategies that better respond to the needs of their communities. SCRJ’s researchers are exploring innovative approaches to community safety, democratizing knowledge along the way, and framing consequential policy questions about racial justice.

Researching Alternatives to Police Response

The Stanford Center for Racial Justice is exploring innovative alternatives to police response through staff analysis and research.

Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unit: How Do We Scale a Non-Police Emergency Response Program?

By Mira Joseph

911 Dispatchers: A Critical and Overlooked Part of Policing

By Mira Joseph

Future Traffic Safety in the Bay Area: Policy Shifts and New Law Piloting Speed Cameras

By Fatima Dahir

What We're Reading

SCRJ Report: Safety Beyond Policing, Promoting Care

The Center's 2021 study reviewed alternatives to traditional policing and recommended reforms.

Research: Policing, Danger Narratives, and Routine Traffic Stops

Study on violence against police at traffic stops challenges the dominant narrative about their dangerous nature.

Report by Brennan Center for Justice on Rethinking Deployment of Police

Collection of reforms by cities with the largest law enforcement agencies (2020-22).

Research: Intersection of Criminal Justice and Mental Health Systems

Use of the Sequential Intercept Model for decriminalizing serious mental illness.

Bloomberg: Congress Could Reward Cities Removing Police from Traffic Stops

New bill would create a federal grant program rewarding cities that move traffic enforcement responsibilities to civilians.

Report by Public Policy Institute of CA on Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops

Analysis of stops by California police agencies shows significant racial disparities.

Researching Alternatives to Police Response

Alternatives to Police Traffic Enforcement in the Bay Area

Reshaping 911 Response in the Bay Area

Pretext Stops in San Francisco

Alternative Emergency Response

Civilian Traffic Enforcement in Berkeley: Is it Possible?

Berkeley’s Specialized Care Unit: How Do We Scale a Non-Police Emergency Response Program?

911 Dispatchers: A Critical and Overlooked Part of Policing

Future Traffic Safety in the Bay Area: Policy Shifts and New Law Piloting Speed Cameras

What We're Reading