Haverhill police want to add therapist to ride with officers
December 13, 2020 GMT
HAVERHILL, Mass. (AP) Police in Haverhill are asking the city to hire a therapist to ride along with officers and respond to calls involving people in mental or emotional distress.
Police Chief Alan DeNaro made the request at last week’s City Council meeting, the Eagle-Tribune reported. The council voted to submit a letter asking the mayor to approve the hire.
DeNaro’s proposal would hire a licensed clinical social worker to ride with officers 40 hours a week. The idea was recommended by local health officials and could help defuse tense situations, he said.