b'WILLIAM JAMES COLLEGE 21Clinicians and physicians across the U.S. have most likely studied the DSM from front to back to front again, but that isnt a requirement forWeve had clinicians available for officers like Wallace. According to the American Psychological Association, roughly 20 percent ofthe past two years, and whenever police calls in the country involve a mental health orthey are with us, things just go substance use crisis; local law enforcement estimatesmoother. Theres something about that, in reality, that number is doubled. Amid rigorous, intensehaving a mental health professional, training at the State Policesomeone not in uniform, on the Academy, Wallace saysscene to say, Im not a cop. It officers will do one sessionmaybereleases the tension.twoon mentalOfficer Antonia DeAngelo, Lowellhealth. Hes gone soPolice Departmentfar as to become an FBI-certified crisis negotiator, and a fewProgram. The first co-responder model of its kind in years ago, he added DouglasMassachusetts, the program paired officers on duty the Goldendoodle to hiswith trained mental health clinicians who could meet Josh Wallace, Northamptonpsychological or substance-use needs at the scene Police Officer, and Douglas, afamily. As a member of the comfort dog for the NorthamptonWestern Massachusettsand give aid not only to the citizen but also to the Police Department Critical Incident Stressofficer who may experience trauma or need guidance Management response team, he brings Douglas, ain overcoming the crisis. Prior to the program, trained therapy dog, to schools with him. But, still, clinicians were available for calls but were often he wants to do more.unable to rapidly deploy in person to the scene.In a town like Northampton with a prevalenceNow, they are embedded in the department, working of outpatient facilities, he never knows what hellside by side with law enforcement to de-escalate, come across when a call comes over the radio. Officerdivert from arrest, and fully support the mental Antonia DeAngelo faces similar challenges inhealth needs of individuals in crisis. Lowell but says having a social worker with her helpsTwenty years ago, the idea was transformational. immensely. Weve had clinicians available for theAn award-winning model that gained grant past two years, and whenever they are with us, thingsfunding and support from the Massachusetts just go smoother, she says. Theres something aboutDepartment of Mental Health and has since been having a mental health professional, someone not widely implemented in departments across the in uniform, on the scene to say, Im not a cop. Commonwealthand globally. It releases the tension. Abbott was recently called upon to bring the co-response model to An Garda Sochna in Ireland. The Framingham ModelInstituting a full academic center at William James In 2003, while working at Advocates, Inc., Abbottwas an obvious, exciting move, she says.began her work on the issue that Wallace, DeAngelo,William James is the leading forensic-training and countless other officers face. As the Framinghameducational institution with a really strong Police Departments first embedded clinician,reputation. Its a collaborative, innovative place she helped create the Framingham Jail Diversionwhere new ideas can get support and strengthen.'