SMART
Surrey Mobilization and Resiliency Table (SMART)
Since 2015, Surrey has been leading an innovative approach to cross-agency collaboration with the Surrey Mobilization and Resiliency Table (SMART).
The program seeks to address community issues before they become police issues or require other emergency services.
By connecting individuals with critical supports and interventions available in their community, SMART works to lower acutely elevated risk among vulnerable individuals and families. SMART also enhances information sharing between organizations by encouraging a collaborative approach to community safety and the well-being of individuals.
SMART is made up of professionals from a variety of disciplines, including:
- law enforcement,
- corrections,
- housing,
- health,
- social services,
- income assistance, and
- education.
How It Works
Each week, the SMART group meets to review cases where there is an acutely elevated risk of harm, victimization or criminality for an individual or family. If the group determines there is a situation of elevated risk that requires multi-agency intervention, the appropriate agencies will develop and execute a rapid response intervention plan within 24-48 hours
Why this New Response is Required
In a review of calls for service conducted by the Surrey RCMP in 2014, it was determined that approximately 60% of the calls were less criminal in nature and were more specifically related to social issues such as poverty, substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health.
SMART represents a paradigm shift by recognizing that the police are not solely responsible for community safety and wellness in the community, and that these types of calls would be best managed with a new and more coordinated, social response.
