Evaluation of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Transit Police Serving a Vulnerable Entity (SAVE) Initiative, 2022-2023

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.