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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-24-HSC-min Town of Lexington Human Services Committee Wednesday 2/24/2021 @ 7 PM Conducted by Remote Participation* MINUTES Participants: Gail Fields, Leslie Zales, Doug Lucente (Select Board Liaison), Betty Borghesani (Council on Aging Liaison), Martha Kurland, Melissa Interess (staffi, Police Chief Corr(guest) Welcome& introductions: Zoom Meeting Called to order 7:1Opm 1. Reviewed and approved minutes of January 13, 2021 meeting a. Identified Committee Member to take minutes. 2. Welcome and Introduction of public attendees and Chief Corr. 3. Discussion with Lexington Police Leadership Leslie clarifies that our committee is tasked with reviewing the social emotional issues of the community while other committees will address questions related to Civil Rights/Racial Justice. The committee had prepared a list of questions (please see attached) for Chief Corr. He reviewed each question and allow members to ask clarifying questions. Question I Response: Chief Corr reports that many of the "sudden deaths" are people over the age of 80. Other more mental health related calls are often from facilities who are managing the psychiatric components of the call and they are calling LPD to provide containment and safety. Corr would estimate that there are 2 or 3 calls a month where residents might need intervention not already being provided to them. He feels we are in better shape than many communities in terms of our ability to meet the mental health needs of the community. LPD works collaboratively with LHS, Advocates and the Domestic Violence Service Network (DVSN) Team to meet the needs of the residents. They also work closely with Central Middlesex Police Partnership (CMPP)/Elliot Services and defer the non-resident population to this service. The most problematic calls are from residents (most often including seniors,people with mental illness and homeless people)that refuse services Question 2 Response: Chief Corr notes that there used to be many more issues with youth offenders than there are now. He reports that in 2019 there were no arrests of minors and that there were only 13 youth who were charged with a crime. There were only 3 house parties 2019 and possibly some additional noise complaints. They have been trained bRestorative Justice(C4RJ) group ad also utilize the DA's Diversion program which both keep kids out of the system and jails. Question 3 Response: Chief Corr notes that they are not informed of the outcome of 51As filed by the department and therefore do not do much follow-up and are not aware if there are people who are filed upon multiple times. During pandemic, it is common to see more reports of kids not showing up for Zoom school classes. He notes that they are aware there is child abuse and neglect in Lexington. Question 4 Response: Chief Corr again reports that their main intervention with substance abuse is from parties (3 in 2019). He feels they are able to effectively intervene by bringing together the school, home and community. Question 5 Response: He notes that the Domestic Violence Service Network(DVSN)is a comprehensive program that works collaboratively with the LPD. He notes that the most challenging situations are that often I A generation residents don't know that hands on conflict requires a mandatory arrest. He notes that the other issues they encounter are young adults who can be abusive towards their parents. Questions 6 Response: Chief Corr reports that the LPD takes training of officers around issues of mental health and disabilities very seriously. They see this as very important and expect compassion and awareness from their officers. He notes that 100% of their officers have been trained in mental health emergencies. He reviews an incident that happened in September of 2020 where the officers were able to successfully de- escalated a gentleman with mental illness who was armed. He notes that most common method of suicide in Lexington is by prescription medicine and the 2nd most common is by hanging. He reviewed who does the mental health training for the department. He spoke briefly about the One Mind Campaign(Enhancing law enforcement engagement with people in crisis with mental health disorders and or developmental disabilities) Question 7 Response: Chief Corr notes that the greatest challenges in meeting the needs of the community in regard to social emotional issues are again those who refuse services along with the issue of fear that he feels has been particularly prominent this past year. He notes that they work as a department to try to be transparent and communicate openly with the community including being good listeners. He notes that they now have two officers who speak mandarin and also have a FT community outreach officer. He notes the department is open to recommendation that folks have about the PD getting involved in the community. He mentions several programs that they do run including their summer camp for kids. Question 8 Response: Chief Corr notes that he is aware that there are PD's who have social workers on staff. He is not sure that they have the need to warrant it but they are open the idea of it and particularly like the idea of an SW being someone who might be under the human service department. He notes that the new police station is being designed to have space that would allow someone to potentially be housed in the police station, although this is not the case currently give their space issues. Question 9 Response: Chief Corr notes that they would always welcome human services staff and training. He also notes that there building is very old and their space is very limited. He is hoping that they get funding for a new building that will allow for more space for both LPD staff and the community. Question 10 Response: Chief Corr notes that he would be interested in support around getting more connected with the community, getting into spaces where residents might congregate and be open to engaging with them. Gail asks about whether there are EAP services available to LPD staff who might have their own social emotional needs. Chief Corr notes that they do have such services. However, he notes that"cops tend to be stubborn" and it is not easy for them to acknowledge their vulnerabilities. However, the department does have systems in place to be attuned to any officers who might appear to need support and then they will intervene to make this happen. 4. Committee Debriefed on Discussion with Chief Corr Committee concluded that next step would be to discuss with the Select Board the idea of further exploration of the role of a Social Worker to support Police Services. Doug notes that we could potentially be put on the agenda of SB in early April. 5. Human Service Staff Update a. Melissa Announced the next DEI event on March I Phat 6:30. The event is publicized on the Human Service Website and will include two speakers (Marcia Liu ad Anmol Satiam discussing The impact of Racism on Asian and South Asian American Communities: Coping, Caring and Wellness). b. Leslie notes that she attended Tony's QPR training and that it was amazing. c. Melissa reports that All Aces provided a summary from the focus groups and identified which trainings they will provide. They recommend providing a training to the Select Board, Middle Managers and Senior Managers and the Community. The trainings will likely be 2-3 hours long and the two possible topics are History in Action and Dignity and Respect. The training will occur in April and May. 6. Meeting Date set for Tuesday, March 16th, 7pm 2021 7. Meeting Adjoured at 9:06.