SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Counties throughout New Jersey are using federal funding to expand on a successful program that pairs social workers with police officers when responding to certain calls.
The Arrive Together initiative has helped police achieve better outcomes when responding to domestic disputes and other situations where someone is having an emotional crisis.
“Arrive is reducing instances of use of force with these kinds of calls, reducing the number of arrests and reducing racial disparities,” said Derick Dailey, senior counsel at the state Attorney General’s Office.
In Camden County, Clementon, Gibbsboro, Lindenwold, Pine Hill and Voorhees are now participating in an extension of the program called Impact Arrive.
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Camden County prosecutor Grace MacAulay said a counselor and a plainclothes officer will respond to certain calls in the five towns as part of a pilot program.
“This is groundbreaking, making it that much easier for law enforcement to meet the needs of anyone experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis, immediately and safely linking them to the exact resource they need,” she said.
Dailey said the programs are tailored to each community. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; different counties have different needs.
The state attorney general said his office will continue to find new ways for police to better serve and protect the public. He said the goal is to have the best police in America.
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