Fayetteville 411 - One year of OCS in Fayetteville!

This podcast episode from the City of Fayetteville, NC, dated August 28, 2026, features staff from the Office of Community Safety (OCS) discussing their first year of operation. The OCS was established by city council in 2024 to provide a non-law enforcement approach to mental and behavioral health issues, focusing on four pillars: youth programming, homelessness response, mental health alternative response, and community violence prevention. The discussion highlighted community-led safe space activations funded through a request for proposals process, youth initiatives including career readiness programs, and coordination with local organizations to address homelessness and mental health crises. The OCS aims to expand these programs, emphasizing coordination as a key intervention strategy and working closely with community partners to provide resources and alternative responses to law enforcement. Contact information and engagement opportunities for community organizations were also shared.