Seattle has three public safety departments. You probably know about the police and fire department, but the city also manages the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department, Seattle's police alternative program.

Among other work, CARE responds to emergency 911 calls and provides referrals to people in crisis for services including mental health, drug counseling, and housing support.

But long-standing labor issues with Seattle's Police Officers Guild have interrupted CARE's work in the past.

CARE Chief Amy Barden joined David Kroman and Soundside guest host Cat Smith in the studio to talk about how the agency is evolving under Mayor Katie Wilson and its plans to increase its efficacy in the years to come.

Plus: The race for Washington's Third Congressional District is a tight one between incumbent Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her Republican challenger, Sen. Minority Leader John Braun. Soundside spoke to the two candidates in back to back interviews about their race to represent the district.

Guests

• Amy Barden, chief of Seattle's Community Assisted Response and Engagement Department (CARE)
• Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democratic candidate running for reelection in Washington's 3rd district.
• State Sen. John Braun, Republican candidate for Congress against Gluesenkamp Perez

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Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Renton, a heated fight over whether to keep Flock cameras mirrors the national angst people are feeling about surveillance, government, and big tech. These license plate readers are pitting law enforcement and public safety advocates against people concerned about immigration enforcement and government intrusion into privacy and personal liberties.

Today on the show:

• 4 a Better Renton organizer Sheryl Friesz
• Tukwila Police Chief Eric Lund
• Renton City Councilmember James Alberson
• Renton City Councilmember Carmen Rivera

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to donate.kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.