Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) have reached a tentative agreement to double the size of the Community Assistance Response Engagement (CARE) Department. The deal, subject to City Council approval, removes the hiring cap, allows direct dispatch of responders, and streamlines the disciplinary process. However, the agreement also significantly increases the Seattle Police Department’s budget, with plans to hire more officers in 2025 and raise their base salary. Despite these changes, CARE cannot operate independently and must still consult with SPD on shared calls. The agreement is part of a broader effort to improve public safety and police accountability.