Public safety changes are happening in Western Massachusetts.
The Northampton City Council approved a budget last week which funds the Department of Community Care, a new unarmed emergency responder which would absorb some police duties.
Northampton has seen some of the loudest calls in New England for defunding the police, but the council-approved spending plan includes a three-percent increase for the NoHo PD.
Police are also now getting help on mental health calls from clinicians in several Western Mass cities, including West Springfield, Easthampton and Greenfield.
And speaking of Easthampton, earlier this month the city decided to cut out school resource officers.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak. WHYN News)