Partnerships between law enforcement and mental health services are critical in our communities, and Boston is taking note. The Boston Police Department (BPD) and the Veterans Affairs (VA) have recently strengthened their collaboration by providing Crisis Intervention Team training for VA officers. The benefits? De-escalation skills that will improve encounters between police and veterans, particularly those in mental health crises or dealing with substance use issues.
At a ceremony that may sound quite routine but speaks volumes to the commitment for better policing, VA Training Coordinator Lt. Cateon awarded BPD staff with VA ICARE coins and Certificates of Appreciation. These tokens stand as symbols not just of gratitude but of the growing ties between these institutions. "This training equips VA officers with de-escalation skills, helping them distinguish between mental health crises and substance use, and connect Veterans with necessary resources," as the BPD reported.
The focus is clear—keeping veterans safe and out of the criminal justice system. Notoriously tricky, the balance between enforcement and empathy isn't always easy to strike, but with the right training, officers can shift the scales toward understanding rather than punishment. "The collaboration between the VA and Boston Police helps reinforce compassionate law enforcement and to reduce the risk of Veterans becoming involved in the criminal justice system," according to the BPD statement.
The initiative is more than procedural; it's humane. It's about creating a law enforcement culture that sees past the uniform and into the heart of the community it serves. When the safeguards for one of the most vulnerable groups in our society—our veterans—are strengthened, it doesn't just echo in the halls of the VA or the briefing rooms of the police department. It resonates through the fabric of the city itself, reaffirming the belief that those who served are deserving of protection and respect. This partnership is vital, the BPD has emphasized, to ensuring the "safety and well-being of our Veterans."
