How a blended police, fire, and medical department gives officers a "caretaker" role

Local governments around the nation are grappling with police reform. One proposal that's been floated is to change the role and thereby the approach of law enforcement officers by giving them responsibilities beyond policing. Sunnyvale’s Department of Public Safety includes fire, medical and police services and all first responders are trained across all three disciplines. Department Chief Phan Ngo said the different roles mean officers see themselves as caretakers, building their reputation as public servants with residents.

Civic · Laura Wenus, Mel Baker