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Modesto police describe expanded outreach, mobile teams and early results in homelessness response
Summary
Modesto Police Department presented data and program details on its alternative-response units — CHAT, park rangers, HARP and the co-response team — saying the units have grown and handled a rising share of calls while the city pursues housing partnerships and outreach.
The Modesto Police Department outlined an array of alternative‑response programs on Aug. 20, saying the units aim to divert low‑level quality‑of‑life calls away from uniformed patrol and connect people experiencing homelessness to shelter and services.
Lieutenant Michael Hammond, area command division, described the Community Housing Assessment Team (CHAT), park rangers, the Homeless Engagement and Response Program (HARP) and a clinician‑paired co‑response unit (INSERT). Hammond said CHAT staffing expanded from four members in 2020 to 12 members by mid‑2025 and that increased staffing allowed CHAT to handle more dispatched calls.
Key details and statistics: Hammond said that in 2025, CHAT handled roughly "3% of all dispatch calls" and operates seven days a week, with members working 11‑hour shifts in a rotating schedule. CHAT documents contacts in an Esri database and provides shelter referrals, mental‑health linkage, transportation and other services. Hammond said mobile outreach…
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