What kind of calls can the Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) respond to?
CCR work falls in three primary areas:
- Interpersonal support (such as welfare checks or de-escalation of a person in crisis)
- Referrals or transportation (such as to shelters, day centers, or treatment centers)
- Supplies (such as water, snacks, clothing, and hygiene products)
Primary dispatch qualifications, which allow CCRs to respond to calls without a police officer, are outlined in Appendix I of the City's 2025 agreement with the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG).
Generally speaking, those qualifications determine that independent CCR response needs to occur in public spaces which are not a known hazard. There can be no minors or visible weapons or narcotic paraphernalia. CCRs are also prohibited from responding independently to vehicles, private residences or businesses, or encampments with four or more tents or structures. Finally, there should be no report of aggressive, threatening, or destructive behavior, or behavior which warrants investigation for involuntary commitment.
CCRs may, however, accompany police officers to the calls outlined above, or police officers may call CCRs to the scene after determining that it is safe. Response to each call is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and may also include Seattle Fire Department medics.
What kind of training do Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) have?
There are three levels of CCRs: CCR1s, CCR2s, and CCR supervisors.
CCR1s are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, and experience working with people in crisis or equivalent education and expertise.
CCR2s are required to have a master’s degree in those related fields, and an additional year of experience.
CCR supervisors, who guide the other CCRs’ assessments and can also respond to calls, are required to have not only a relevant master’s degree but clinical licensure in social work or mental health.
Where do Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) operate?
CCRs operate citywide.
To learn exactly where Seattle's borders are, check out the Seattle City Limits map.
How many Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) are there?
As of August 2026, there are 40 total CCRs. On any given day, there are 12-18 CCRs working across the city.
When do Community Crisis Responders (CCRs) operate?
As of August 2026, the CCRs operate from 6:30-1:00 AM, every day. This expansion from the previous hours of operation (12:00-10:00 PM) into the early morning and late night hours addressed community needs we saw reflected in call data.
How can I request the Community Crisis Responders (CCRs)?
Members of the public may call 911 or the City's non-emergency line ((206) 625-5011) in order to request the CCRs. We recommend calling 911 when a situation is ongoing, even if it is not a blatant emergency involving crime or danger.
Call-takers will always determine the appropriate response based on the scenario, referring to the primary dispatch qualifications for CCRs which are outlined at the top of this page.