THE REVERE ADVOCATE–Friday, September 27 , 2019 Page 5 Revere Police officers undergo Crisis Intervention Team training C urrently the Revere Police Department is training offi cers in Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The CIT program is an international model used by law enforcement to inform and improve response to individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance abuse. The training is aimed at improving outcomes for both residents and offi cers responding to vulnerable populations, including veterans and young people. The model was developed by Major Sam Cochran, formerly of the Memphis Police Department, and has proven to be an eff ective model in increasing officer safety and outcomes for individuals whose primary involvement with the criminal justice system is due to behavioral issues and cognitive limitations. The Metro Boston Crisis Intervention Team Training and Technical Assistance Center is a collaboration of Somerville and Cambridge Police and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI). Through funding from the Department of Mental Health, the Center is a resource for training and implementation of CIT in our local community. The training consists of 40 hours for each offi cer. “Unfortunately, issues arising from mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse have become a large part of police work,” said Mayor Brian Arrigo. “We recognize that specialized training in Crisis Intervention is a vital part of our continuing quest to fi eld a modern, well-equipped and well-trained police force.” There are currently 25 offi cers that have received the training, and Police Chief James Guido is committed to having all offi - cers trained. “The Revere Police Department will continue our commitment to training our ofCity of Revere designated a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Community M ayor Brian M. Arrigo announced this week that the City of Revere has received designation as a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Community from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for its completion of the Community Resiliency Building planning process. As an MVP Community, the City is now eligible to apply for MVP Action Grants, and positions itself to receive increased state funding opportunities to pursue strategies to combat climate change. “As a coastal community, it is imperative we remain proactive with our state and regional partners to help make our community more resilient. A top priority for me is making sure we’re doing what we can to protect our residents and the neighborhoods we know are most vulnerable to fl ooding,” said Mayor Arrigo. “Thanks to the support of the Baker Administration and Secretary Theoharides, we can now pursue and implement resiliency measures to ensure we are prepared for the inevitable impacts of climate change.” Energy and Environmental Aff airs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides acknowledged COMMUNITY | SEE PAGE 19 fi cers with relevant and realistic training so that we can handle these types of calls in the most respectful and effective way possible, and advance our community policing goals,” he said.
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