FRAMINGHAM, MA - On Thursday, September 11, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) announced a new department policy that focuses on the complex needs of those in behavioral crisis.
The policy is reportedly designed to deliver "compassionate services" and "support successful public safety outcomes," according to a press release from Mass.gov. The new policy was developed in consultation with clinicians at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and law enforcement experts at the International Chiefs of Police Association.
"The comprehensive response framework equips troopers to fulfill their public safety duties, de-escalate encounters, help people in crisis manage their emotions and regain control, and facilitate appropriate care when safe to do so," according to the press release.
The department emphasized that de-escalating encounters and taking responsive action to connect an individual with services does not restrict troopers' discretion to make an arrest when probable cause exists. The police will instead provide guidance about seeking expert opinion, providing resources regarding voluntary care, and making a referral to an appropriate agency.
"Keenly aware that millions of people face mental health and substance use challenges, our administration remains committed to delivering services with compassion and respect for our neighbors and loved ones in crisis," said Governor Maura Healey. "I commend Colonel Noble and the State Police for articulating a thoughtful, deliberate approach in this policy, which reflects the longstanding practice of so many good troopers as well as our state's shared commitment to peaceful resolutions and transformative healing."
"Mental illnesses and substance use disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances," Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said. "In Massachusetts, we want people to know that nobody walks alone. This policy provides troopers with important tools to recognize the signs of crisis, maintain composure, and achieve outcomes we can be proud of."
"This policy reflects our strong commitment to protecting communities while caring for the most vulnerable among us," Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy added. "I commend the collaborative process that brought together the expertise of law enforcement and mental health professionals to create an approach grounded in compassion, informed by the best practices, and designed to achieve the best outcomes in even the most challenging situations."
According to the policy, all sworn members will receive initial training on response to persons in behavioral crisis upon hiring and biennial refresher training thereafter. All training records will be maintained in accordance with department training protocols.
"The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of those we swear to protect," MSP Colonel Geoffrey Noble said. "As the leader of our department, I also want to urge all of us to work together to end the stigma around mental health. Anyone struggling has our full support to seek professional care."
The policy is reportedly designed to deliver "compassionate services" and "support successful public safety outcomes," according to a press release from Mass.gov. The new policy was developed in consultation with clinicians at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and law enforcement experts at the International Chiefs of Police Association.
"The comprehensive response framework equips troopers to fulfill their public safety duties, de-escalate encounters, help people in crisis manage their emotions and regain control, and facilitate appropriate care when safe to do so," according to the press release.
The department emphasized that de-escalating encounters and taking responsive action to connect an individual with services does not restrict troopers' discretion to make an arrest when probable cause exists. The police will instead provide guidance about seeking expert opinion, providing resources regarding voluntary care, and making a referral to an appropriate agency.
"Keenly aware that millions of people face mental health and substance use challenges, our administration remains committed to delivering services with compassion and respect for our neighbors and loved ones in crisis," said Governor Maura Healey. "I commend Colonel Noble and the State Police for articulating a thoughtful, deliberate approach in this policy, which reflects the longstanding practice of so many good troopers as well as our state's shared commitment to peaceful resolutions and transformative healing."
"Mental illnesses and substance use disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances," Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll said. "In Massachusetts, we want people to know that nobody walks alone. This policy provides troopers with important tools to recognize the signs of crisis, maintain composure, and achieve outcomes we can be proud of."
"This policy reflects our strong commitment to protecting communities while caring for the most vulnerable among us," Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy added. "I commend the collaborative process that brought together the expertise of law enforcement and mental health professionals to create an approach grounded in compassion, informed by the best practices, and designed to achieve the best outcomes in even the most challenging situations."
According to the policy, all sworn members will receive initial training on response to persons in behavioral crisis upon hiring and biennial refresher training thereafter. All training records will be maintained in accordance with department training protocols.
"The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of those we swear to protect," MSP Colonel Geoffrey Noble said. "As the leader of our department, I also want to urge all of us to work together to end the stigma around mental health. Anyone struggling has our full support to seek professional care."
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Comments
2025-09-14T20:12-0400 | Comment by: James
Not the job of a policeman but not surprised it is happening in MA! All the liberals there need mental health help! It's called a hospital!