MACRO FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is MACRO?

The Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) is a program of the Oakland Fire Department that responds to non-violent, non-emergency, and non-criminal situations involving behavioral health concerns, wellness checks, substance use issues, and other community care needs. MACRO teams are staffed by Community Intervention Specialists and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

Is MACRO part of the Oakland Fire Department?

Yes. MACRO is operated by the Oakland Fire Department and works alongside traditional emergency response systems. MACRO is not a nonprofit organization or independent agency.

Is MACRO a replacement for police?

No. MACRO was designed to respond to specific types of calls that do not require an armed law enforcement response. Police continue to respond to crimes, violence, threats, domestic violence, and situations involving weapons. MACRO helps ensure that the right responder is sent to the right situation.

Can MACRO arrest, detain, or force someone to accept services?

No. MACRO does not have arrest powers and cannot detain individuals. MACRO's approach is voluntary and relationship based. Our teams work to build trust, de-escalate situations, and connect people with resources whenever possible.

Why doesn't MACRO "make people leave" when neighbors call?

MACRO's role is not enforcement. Our teams focus on understanding a person's needs, reducing harm, resolving immediate concerns when possible, and connecting individuals to services. Lasting change often happens through repeated engagement and trust-building rather than enforcement alone. Many people experiencing behavioral health challenges, homelessness, or substance use disorders require ongoing engagement over time.

Does MACRO clear homeless encampments?

No. MACRO does not conduct encampment removals, sweeps, or closures. Encampment management is handled through separate City programs and departments. MACRO's role is to engage with individuals, assess needs, provide support, and connect people to available services.

Can MACRO force someone into shelter, treatment, or housing?

No. Like most social and health services, participation is generally voluntary unless legal criteria exist for a different intervention. MACRO can provide information, referrals, transportation assistance when appropriate, and support individuals in accessing available resources, but cannot compel participation.

Why does MACRO sometimes return to the same person multiple times?

Because meaningful change often takes time. Many individuals facing mental health challenges, homelessness, or substance use disorders require ongoing support and repeated engagement before accepting assistance. Building trust is often a necessary first step toward helping someone access services.

What kinds of calls does MACRO respond to?

Examples include:

  • Wellness checks
  • Mental health concerns
  • Behavioral health crises
  • Non-aggressive public intoxication
  • Non-violent community disturbances
  • Individuals who appear disoriented or in need of support
  • Non-emergency situations involving unhoused residents

MACRO only responds when conditions are safe and appropriate for an unarmed team.

What situations should NOT be referred to MACRO?

MACRO does NOT respond to:

  • Active violence
  • Domestic violence
  • Crimes in progress
  • Situations involving weapons
  • Medical emergencies
  • Structure fires 
  • Incidents occurring inside private residences or businesses
  • Situations requiring law enforcement action

In emergencies, always call 911.

Why didn't MACRO respond to my call?

Several factors may affect whether MACRO can respond:

  • The incident may fall outside MACRO's scope.
  • The situation may involve safety concerns.
  • Higher-priority calls may already be in progress.
  • The call may require police, fire, EMS, or another City department.

Like other emergency response services, calls are prioritized based on urgency and available resources.

How is MACRO dispatched?

MACRO receives calls through several pathways, including direct requests to 510 44-MACRO, email, and dispatch systems. Like many alternative response programs nationwide, continued improvements to dispatching and call routing are an ongoing area of development.  

Why can't MACRO tell me what happened after a call?

To protect privacy. Many MACRO interactions involve sensitive personal, medical, behavioral health, or housing-related information. Privacy laws and ethical standards prevent staff from sharing details about individuals they assist.

Does MACRO help people?

MACRO's mission is to connect people with appropriate support while reducing unnecessary involvement of emergency departments and law enforcement in non-criminal situations. Success may look different than traditional enforcement outcomes.

Examples can include:

  • De-escalating a crisis
  • Preventing an emergency room visit
  • Connecting someone with services
  • Resolving a neighborhood concern peacefully
  • Building trust with someone who may later accept assistance

Program reporting has shown that MACRO diverts a significant number of calls away from traditional emergency response systems.

How is MACRO different from traditional emergency response?

MACRO's focus is care, engagement, and connection to resources. While police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are trained for emergency response, MACRO teams specialize in:

  • Crisis de-escalation
  • Behavioral health support
  • Community engagement
  • Conflict mediation
  • Resource navigation

This allows Oakland to provide a broader range of responses tailored to community needs.

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