EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — East Providence is close to becoming the first community in Rhode Island to hire a social worker to help police and other first responders deal with certain emergencies.
The full-time social worker will assist with crisis intervention involving abuse, suicide, serious car crashes, emotional trauma and mental health matters, and will also support firefighters and police in dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief and other struggles, The Providence Journal reported Tuesday.
Mayor Roberto DaSilva said there has been a shift in policing.
“Instead of just responding and dealing with the immediate problem and issue, we should really be looking at solving problems and being a resource for people in the community who need the help,” he said.
Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said the social worker will not respond to calls alongside officers, but would help in the aftermath.
“The way I envision it is we really want to meet the needs of our community beyond the typical law enforcement response to things like domestic violence, addiction, mental health,” he said. “We really need a person who can follow up those calls and see what type of services can be offered to someone in their time of need.”
