Since the death of Andrew Washington, shot last year by police while experiencing a mental health crisis, activists have called on the city to pair mental health professionals with law enforcement. Now, in en effort to do exactly that, Jersey City is joining Bayonne to become Hudson County’s second municipality to participate in the ARRIVE Together program. This initiative, which stands for Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation, is a partnership between the Jersey City Division of Police and Jersey City Medical Center aimed at addressing mental health emergencies. The program will implement a dual strategy to respond to crises and follow up when law enforcement identifies the need for mental or behavioral health support. With a population of over 290,000 residents, Jersey City’s participation marks a significant expansion of the program.Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “Since its inception, ARRIVE Together has enhanced New Jersey law enforcement officers’ response to mental health emergencies. This model has proven to be a valuable tool in our efforts to quickly and efficiently connect our residents with help during times of mental distress.”Attorney General Matthew Platkin praised ARRIVE Together as a “national model with a proven track record,” highlighting that Jersey City officers now have an effective tool for responding to mental health-related calls. Since its launch in December 2021, the program has received additional funding, including a $549,750 federal grant, which has enabled it to expand to all 21 counties in New Jersey. Currently, ARRIVE Together serves more than 50% of the state’s 9.3 million residents, with the Fiscal Year 2025 budget allocating $20.1 million to sustain and further expand ARRIVE initiatives.In March, Platkin established the Office of Alternative and Community Responses to coordinate and lead initiatives like ARRIVE Together, focusing on how New Jersey’s law enforcement and the Department of Law and Public Safety respond to public health crises such as substance use disorders and mental health issues through a public safety lens.“Pairing law enforcement officers with mental and behavioral health professionals allows each expert to do what they do best,” said Tiffany Wilson, Director of the OACR. “ARRIVE Together partnerships lead to better outcomes.”The ARRIVE Together pilot started with New Jersey State Police troopers and a mental health screener from the Cumberland County Guidance Center, who responded to calls in an unmarked vehicle. As the program expanded, ARRIVE models were customized to suit the specific needs of different communities. To date, the program has recorded nearly 5,000 interactions, with no arrests, serious injuries, or uses of force—except in cases where involuntary transport was necessary as directed by a mental health screener.Jersey City’s version of the program will use a co-response and follow-up model, with plainclothes officers and mental health professionals from Jersey City Medical Center responding together to appropriate calls. Initially, it will operate two to three days a week, with plans to expand as more staff are hired. The Jersey City Police Department also plans to incorporate its Police Chaplain program for additional support when needed.“While this will initially be a smaller scale initiative, we know that ARRIVE has been proven to reduce instances of use of force and arrests, instead providing critical services to people experiencing acute mental health crises from qualified professional responders. This program will be a massive step forward  and I am committed to its successful implementation and ultimate expansion to a 24/7 core city function,” said Ward E Councilman James Solomon.Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop voiced his support for the program, stating, “Our strategic public safety initiatives are clearly making a difference, and we are always willing to try new initiatives that look to further improve public safety for our residents.” In addition to ARRIVE Together, Attorney General Platkin announced funding for Jersey City’s Community Crisis Response Team Pilot Program through the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County. While the two programs have different approaches, their shared goal is to provide appropriate resources to individuals in need. Equipping both law enforcement and community-based organizations with these tools is expected to enhance public safety and health in Jersey City.The post Medical Center and Police to Collaborate in Mental Health Emergencies appeared first on Jersey City Times.