Evaluation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police Serving a Vulnerable Entity (SAVE) Initiative, 2022-2023 (ICPSR 39658)
Version Date: Apr 16, 2026 View help for published
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Jerry H. Ratcliffe, University of Pennsylvania
https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR39658.v1
Version V1
Summary View help for Summary
This study evaluated the Serving A Vulnerable Entity (SAVE) initiative operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police. The initiative tested whether pairing a uniformed police officer with a contracted civilian outreach specialist increased the likelihood that individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental illness, or other vulnerability conditions would accept transportation to a treatment or shelter facility. Variables include histories between SAVE participants and vulnerable individuals, primary condition of vulnerable individuals, reasons for refusing treatment, and reasons for unsuccessful transport. Race, gender, and relative age of vulnerable individuals were also collected.
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SEPTA Location
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Access to these data is restricted. Users interested in obtaining these data must complete a Restricted Data Use Agreement, specify the reason for the request, and obtain IRB approval or notice of exemption for their research.
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Study Purpose View help for Study Purpose
The study was motivated by the growing national interest in alternative crisis response models and the increasing overlap of police and public health responsibilities in urban settings. To that end, the study revolved around one research question: Does the presence of an outreach specialist increase the rate at which treatment conversations result in treatment initiation?
Study Design View help for Study Design
From June 2022 to June 2023 SAVE officers conducted 158 treatment conversations involving 165 individuals across Philadelphia's busiest transit stations. SAVE officer shifts were randomly assigned to either:
- Control: police officers working alone, or
- Intervention: police officers accompanied by a civilian outreach specialist.
A treatment conversation was defined as a focused, need-specific dialogue in which officers or specialists assessed vulnerabilities, identified suitable facilities, and offered transportation. The study examined two outcomes: agreement to transport (intermediate) and successful treatment initiation (primary). Quantitative analysis was complemented by 150 hours of field observation and semi-structured interviews with officers, specialists, and supervisors.
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Universe View help for Universe
Individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental illness, or other vulnerability conditions who encountered the SEPTA police SAVE team in Philadelphia's public transportation system from 2022 to 2023.
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