N.J. city joins statewide program to pair civilian responders with police officers in mental health response

A New Era in Crisis Response: How Jersey City is Addressing Mental Health Emergencies

Jersey City, New Jersey's second-largest city, has made a significant step forward in its approach to mental health emergencies by joining the statewide ARRIVE Together program. This innovative initiative pairs mental health professionals with police officers to respond to 9-1-1 calls involving individuals experiencing emotional disturbances. The program aims to enhance the safety and well-being of residents by providing a more compassionate and effective response to mental health crises.

The ARRIVE Together Program: A National Model

The ARRIVE Together program was first piloted in 2021 by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the New Jersey State Police. The initiative was designed in consultation with the Department of Human Services and community stakeholders, reflecting Governor Murphy’s vision for public safety. Initially, a plainclothes trooper from the New Jersey State Police was paired with a mental health screener from the Cumberland County Guidance Center to respond to 9-1-1 calls related to mental and behavioral health emergencies.

Since its inception, ARRIVE Together has expanded to all 21 counties in New Jersey, making it the first statewide law enforcement and mental health alternative response program in the country. The program has been customized to fit the unique needs, resources, and priorities of each community, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness.

How It Works

The ARRIVE Together model pairs a plain-clothed police officer with a certified mental health screener and crisis specialist. This co-response team is dispatched to 9-1-1 calls that indicate a mental health emergency. The mental health professional provides immediate assessment and support, helping to de-escalate situations and connect individuals with necessary services.

• Co-response Model: In a co-response scenario, both the police officer and the mental health professional are present from the beginning of the response. This approach saves time by bringing appropriate medical assistance quickly and prevents situations from escalating. The mental health specialist assesses the individual's condition, determining whether hospitalization is necessary or if community-based services can suffice.

• Follow-up Model: For situations where an immediate co-response is not feasible, the close follow-up model is utilized. Officers identify individuals who would benefit from mental health resources and supports, and mental health partners follow up without law enforcement involvement. This model ensures that residents gain and navigate access to mental health and other support services efficiently.

Success Stories and Data

Since its launch, ARRIVE Together has recorded over 5,000 interactions, with notable success in reducing arrests and the use of force. There have been no serious injuries or deaths related to ARRIVE interactions except in cases involving involuntary transport at the direction of a mental health screener. This data underscores the program's effectiveness in achieving safer outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Jersey City's Participation

Jersey City's decision to join ARRIVE Together marks a significant milestone in its commitment to public safety and compassionate care. The city’s police department will collaborate with Jersey City Medical Center (JCMC) to undertake a two-pronged approach in responding to mental health emergencies. Initially, the program will operate two to three days a week, expanding as JCMC increases staffing.

The collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals aims to provide residents with immediate support and connect them with necessary resources. Incorporating mental health professionals into the 911 response system has been a long-standing demand from community advocates, particularly in light of high-profile incidents involving police shootings.

Community Support and Collaboration

The successful implementation of ARRIVE Together is not just a result of the program itself but also the strong support it has received from the community and local organizations. Jersey City Medical Center has been a key partner in this initiative, providing mental health resources and expertise. RWJBarnabas Health has also expressed its commitment to this collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of delivering screening and supportive behavioral health care in partnership with law enforcement officers.

Public Safety Director James Shea emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach in enhancing services for individuals in crisis. He noted that while the ARRIVE Together program is essential, it still requires police officers to secure the scene before the mental health team can engage with anyone in crisis. This protocol ensures the safety of all parties involved, including individuals, social staff, EMTs, and law enforcement.

Future Plans and Expansion

As Jersey City continues to integrate ARRIVE Together into its emergency response system, it is clear that this initiative will make a significant impact on the city’s approach to mental health emergencies. The program’s success in other municipalities across New Jersey serves as a testament to its effectiveness and scalability.

The expansion of ARRIVE Together in Jersey City is not only a step towards enhancing public safety but also towards fostering a more compassionate community. By pairing mental health professionals with police officers, Jersey City is addressing a critical need and ensuring that residents receive the support they need during times of mental distress.

Conclusion

Jersey City's participation in the ARRIVE Together program is a significant step forward in addressing mental health emergencies. The statewide initiative has proven to be a valuable tool in enhancing the response to mental health crises, leading to safer outcomes and improved trust between law enforcement and the community. As Jersey City continues to implement this innovative approach, it is clear that the city is committed to providing its residents with compassionate and effective care.

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References

1. Police1: N.J. city joins statewide program to pair civilian responders with police officers in mental health response
2. NJ Office of the Attorney General: ARRIVE Together
3. WNYC: Jersey City will pair mental health professionals with cops on emergency calls
4. NJ Office of the Attorney General: Attorney General Platkin Announces Jersey City's Participation in New Jersey’s ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
5. NJ.com: Jersey City to pair mental health workers with cops on 911 calls