The Hub: A Look at the City of Newark (DE) Police Department’s Utilization of Community Support in Providing a Holistic Approach to Diversion

• In Event: Implementing Deflection Based Approaches in Police Response to Substance Use and Mental Health Issues

Abstract

Police diversion strategies seek to improve public safety responses and outcomes for individuals with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders from the criminal justice system. Through funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the City of Newark Police Department has created a Behavioral Health Unit to better address mental health-related incidents by connecting individuals with vital community resources and ultimately, to treatment when appropriate. The Newark Police Department sought to model an approach based on Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI). The BHU, which includes a civilian Mental Health Case Manager, are integral participants of The Hub- a round-table of law enforcement, community providers, and local stakeholders ensuring that individuals in need are connected to care. The goal for this integrated approach is to reduce calls for service by developing appropriate referral pathways. Discussion focuses on the implementation of a law enforcement mental health diversion program and the utilization of local stakeholders to provide a holistic response to community members in need.

Authors

• Kevin Feeney, Deputy Chief of Police, Newark Police Department

• Jay Conover, Crime Analysis/Criminal Intelligence, Newark, DE Police Department

• Kimberly Kirk, Delaware Criminal Justice Council