By: Richard L. Smith
This week marked the launch of Morris County's regional ARRIVE pilot program, a collaborative initiative spearheaded by Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and chiefs from the Morristown, Madison, Morris Plains, and Morris Township police departments.
The program, named ARRIVE Together (Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence & Escalation), is a joint effort with the Mental Health Association of Morris & Essex Counties. It aims to enhance police responses to crisis situations by facilitating de-escalation, providing immediate support to individuals in crisis, and ensuring community and officer safety.
The initiative is funded through a statewide grant and represents one of two pilot programs being introduced in Morris County.
The second, involving Denville, Montville, Parsippany, and Roxbury, is slated to launch full-time in the week of March 18, 2024.
Clinicians from the Mental Health Association have initiated meetings with representatives from all eight participating towns to discuss the program and the support services that will be available for adults and juveniles experiencing crises.
The Morris County Prosecutor's Office is committed to expanding the ARRIVE program across the entire county, with the goal of improving law enforcement's engagement with those in need.
Prosecutor Carroll lauded the initiative, recognizing the support from the NJ Attorney General’s Office, the Essex and Morris County Mental Health Association, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Morris County Police Chiefs Association, and local governments and police departments for their innovative approach to police-community relations.
The ARRIVE model, celebrated for its effectiveness, is anticipated to bring about a significant change in law enforcement interactions, prioritizing understanding, safety, and progressive response methods.
The initiative's launch is a testament to the collective efforts of Morris County's law enforcement and mental health professionals, including notable contributions from MCPO Chief Assistant Prosecutor Meg Rodriquez, MHA Director Deanna Ackermann, MHA CEO Bob Davison, the municipal police chiefs, and Sheriff Gannon.
Morris County looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of the ARRIVE program as it evolves and expands, enhancing the county's approach to crisis intervention and police-community interactions.