I think it’s beneficial for a couple reasons:

• Responders are local to the area so they have the pulse on the things going on, and their actions would be based on the local situation rather than following city ordinance or policy directive from HQ. This could lead to fewer escalations.
• They are in plainclothes and act like people you can trust, rather than someone who is going to turn on you and suddenly assert authority. The aim is to resolve disputes and mischief before things get bad, rather than being laser-focused on “eliminating threats”.

Kinda sounds like BIVO is just “Cops, but better” since they’ve actually de-escalated conflicts. Considering how abysmal police training is, sounds like no training is actually better.

Interesting concept.

Looks like the same article on the seattle times but without a paywall

Can you post a non paywalled link next time? Thank you.

Seems like an interesting idea anyway.