Agenda Text
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Proposing a process to create the Somerville Community Safety Coalition.
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Official Text
Proposing a Process to create the Somerville Community Safety Coalition (SCSC)
WHEREAS, We have heard clearly a demand to reduce reliance on Somerville Police Department to respond to mental health and substance addiction related calls; and
WHEREAS, Community based solutions for the safety of all Somerville community members is our primary goal; and
WHEREAS, Addressing the root causes of violence, disenfranchisment, and discrimination are the best ways to reduce reliance on Policing; and
WHEREAS, A Sequential Intercept Model can be a powerful tool for identifying priority intercepts for community based safety responses rather than Police responses; and
WHEREAS, The City had declared that the process of reimagining the Somerville Police Department would begin in October yet the job of Director of Social and Racial Justice was only posted in the week of October 12; and
WHEREAS, An earnest process to completely transform our response to first responder services will take at least two years; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, That this City Council supports the creation of a Somerville Community Safety Coalition Task Force to deploy Sequential Intercept Mapping to determine opportunities for diversion, alternative justice, and behavioral health interventions; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, That this Council intends to support its creation by establishing staff positions as needed to swiftly implement the work of the Task Force and subsequent establishment of a Somerville Community Safety Coalition in alignment with its recommendations.