Civic Day

On Saturday, April 27, the Somerville Police Department and the Community Outreach, Help & Recovery (COHR) unit participated in the City of Somerville's Civic Day. Together staff engaged members of the community in activities to encourage positive emotional awareness, regulation and resiliency for community members of all ages. Staff also helped to promote the Blue Envelope Program, a new state-wide initiative to foster a safer and more understanding environment for drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during traffic stops. Attendees also had an opportunity to learn more information about services offered by COHR and trainings made available to both police officers and community members.  

Civic Day aims to provide community members of all ages with fun, interactive opportunities to learn about City government, programs, services, and ways to get involved. To learn more about COHR and the various services and programs available visit their website at: https://www.metrobostoncit.org/contact

THE IMPACT OF JAIL DIVERSION PROGRAMS

Individuals with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders are significantly over-represented in the criminal justice system. In 2007, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) began collaborating with local law enforcement agencies to provide funding and assistance with the development of local Jail Diversion projects to better address challenges facing community members impacted by behavioral health challenges. Over the years, these programs have redirected countless individuals from the criminal justice system and connected them to more appropriate assessment and treatment resources.

The importance of a cross system approach was further reinforced with the establishment of Training & Technical Assistance Centers (TTAC) across the State. Working collaboratively with Police Departments TTAC’s provide valuable training, including Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, and serve as resource of best practice interventions.

In the video below, Somerville Police Department’s, Deputy Chief Christopher Ward, and Jail Diversion Clinician, Cheryl Delafano, along with numerous Police Departments across the State speak on the benefits of such a program. The second video features Worcester Police Department's CIT program and reviews the importance and impact of CIT. Be sure to check them both out!

Metro Boston CIT-TTAC’s partnership with Improv Asylum featured in Officer Magazine

Metro Boston’s continued partnership throughout the years with Improv Asylum was the highlight for the November/December 2023 issue of Officer Magazine! The collaboration expanded to the Advanced De-escalation & Documentation two day class, which further enhances tactical and verbal de-escalation skills. The partnership, first featured on Improv’s website, was highlighted in the November/December issues of Officer Magazine. Click here to read the full article: Improv as a Training Tool.

AUTISM EATS

On Tuesday, November 14th 2023, the Somerville Police Department and the Community Outreach, Help & Recovery (COHR) unit partnered with Autism Eats to host a very special Friendsgiving Dinner at Mount Vernon Restaurant! Everyone had the opportunity to meet and greet their Public Safety Officers. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City Counselor Kristen Strezo stopped by for the festivities as well. Special guest, Sasha the Comfort Dog from Harvard University also joined in the  fun. Together everyone enjoyed a judgement free relaxing meal with their loved ones. 

Autism Eats is a non-profit organization that aims to provide families of children diagnosed with Autism with an enjoyable night out with no judgement and low stress. Children with any developmental challenge are also welcome. To learn more about other Autism Eats events including special Holiday themed dinners, visit their website at: https://www.autismeats.org/

NATIONAL TAKE BACK DAY

Every year, twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) works with police Departments across the country to host a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, October 28th, the Somerville Fire Department, Police Department and the Community Outreach, Help & Recovery Unit (COHR) participated with bags of resources and Narcan both in the Police Station and out in the community. National Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Visit the Resources page on the website to learn more about State and Local Resources available in your community.

Beyond the Call Of Duty

Congratulations to Cheryl Delafano of the COHR program for her Beyond the Call of Duty award! Cheryl, a Jail Diversion Coordinator embedded in the Somerville Police Department, was recognized for her fast acting communication and collaboration skills on August 15, 2023. Upon realizing a medically distressed community member outside of the Police Department, Cheryl immediately informed Officers who along with EMT were able to provide prompt medical care. The combined efforts of all involved resulted in the individual receiving life saving measures. "Their actions exemplify the long history of dedication to duty and professionalism within the Somerville Police Department”.

The COHR Solution: A Community Response to a Fragmented System

COHR held a special viewing of “The COHR Solution: A Community Response to a Fragmented System” at the Somerville Theatre. Following the showing, a panel of professionals from Cambridge Health Alliance, NAMI MA, North Charles Foundation, Call 2 Talk and the Somerville Police Department was present to discuss local service providers and public safety. Individuals from over a dozen agencies attended to learn more about the various ways public safety and public health continue to partner. The panel also discussed the new state initiative “RoadMaps to Health,” as well as the 988 support hotline. Watch the panel discussion below.

CIT Training In The Field!

Journalist Joy Hosford from Wicked Local recently interviewed Metro Boston CIT trained Officer Gil Ynostrozan who shared his thoughts on the importance and impact of CIT Training which he regularly uses with Billerica community members in crisis.

"It was eye-opening," Ynostroza said in February. "Not having any background in that information I was able to learn how to deal with people in crisis, instead of just getting them to the hospital, and checking off a box."

A member of the department for the last six years, Ynostroza said the police academy introduces the topic of crisis intervention but doesn't go as deep as the CIT training. "It is well worth it," said Ynostroza, adding he has been able to deescalate several situations involving erratic behavior and threats of suicide through calm conversation and engagement. "I am able to speak to the individual and understand what is going on. When you get to know them at a personal level, there is a better outcome."

Officer Ynostroza completed CIT training in March 2020.

Read the full article here: Wicked Local

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