MMA webinar discusses ‘alternative response’ teams

The MMA hosted a webinar on Dec. 9 featuring three “alternative response teams” throughout the state.

Faustina Cuevas, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer and senior advisor to the mayor in Lynn, said an alternative response team can complement the work of police departments to more effectively support impacted community members.

“Many community issues are driven by mental health needs, substance use, housing instability, and community conflict and mediation — situations where wellness focused, trauma-informed, culturally relevant responses are required,” she said.

Webinar speakers included:
• Camille Theriaque, director of the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service (CRESS) team in Amherst
• Marie Mathieu, community safety director in Cambridge, on the city’s Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) team
• Abdel Kawaf, program administrator from the Lynn Calm Team

Each panelist discussed their program’s mission, staffing structure, position within their community’s public safety department, funding, and the types of calls they respond to.

“The first people who need to buy in are the leaders in your municipality,” Mathieu said.

She urged attendees to think about the specific needs of their community when considering beginning a similar program.

Cuevas moderated 30 minutes of questions and answers, addressing inquiries regarding hours of operation, response from public safety officials, and what stakeholders are necessary for these programs to succeed.

 

• Community Responders for Equity Safety and Service (CRESS) presentation (4M PDF)