Addressing violence

The increasing violence in our nation — evident in school shootings, gang-related crime, domestic abuse, and recent incidents in Boston, such as the altercations at the Boston Public Library and Boston Common — underscores the need for effective and comprehensive solutions.

While increasing police presence in high-crime areas, such as Boston Common and Downtown, is a valuable measure, it must be part of a broader strategy. To address violence comprehensively, I propose the following initiatives:

Integrate Mental Health Professionals: Deploy trained mental health professionals alongside police officers to assist with conflict resolution and harm reduction. Their expertise can address underlying issues contributing to violent behavior.

Hire Peer Support Specialists: Employ individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, especially those who have served time or are in recovery. These “Peers” can connect with at-risk individuals through shared experiences. Programs like Certified Peer Specialist and Certified Addiction Recovery Coach offer frameworks that can be adapted with input from the Department of Mental Health, the Department of Public Health, and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Establish a Professional Peer Support Academy: Develop a specialized training program for Peers and mental health professionals focused on community support roles. Similar to the Massachusetts Police Academy’s 25-week program, this academy would invest in developing the Peer Support Specialist role. The curriculum could include strategies for engaging resistant individuals with “pre-treatment” protocols, harm reduction techniques, de-escalation strategies, and risk assessments. This academy could serve as a model for other states.

Expand Employment Opportunities: Permit individuals without a GED or high school diploma to join the PPSA program, offering them education and training to earn their GED while participating. This approach recognizes their potential and provides a pathway to self-esteem and community involvement, demonstrating that past mistakes do not preclude future contributions.

Utilize Ongoing Peer Engagement: Implement models such as Assertive Community Treatment aka Program for Assertive Community Treatment to maintain regular contact with individuals facing challenges. Expanding these models to integrate with the criminal justice system could provide essential support and intervention.

Develop and Train Peer Supervisors for this role: Ensure that each PPSA graduate is supported and supervised by a trained peer supervisor, in conjunction with a law enforcement supervisor once they enter active service.

Combining these strategies with enhanced police presence can create a more comprehensive approach to reducing violence. By integrating targeted support and inclusive programs, we can work towards a safer and more equitable society.

Chuck Weinstein

Recovery Strategies

Arlington