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The Gloucester Police Department’s Community Impact Unit has a new tool to help its members reach residents of the city: a bus.
The new mobile outreach bus will be used for everything from mental health awareness to serving free ice cream to kids, Chef Ed Conley said in a prepared statement.
The bus was donated in good condition by the Cape Ann Transportation Authority. Donations from BankGloucester and Cape Ann Savings Bank fully funded the refurbishment of the vehicle as well as all of its program supplies. The city will cover the cost of maintenance, gasoline, insurance and registration of the bus.
The vehicle will be used to aid mental and behavioral health awareness efforts by the police department. Specifically, it will be used by Briana Tricomi, mental health and prison diversion clinician, and Roberto “Tito” Rodriguez, community health navigator, for mobile awareness and response to crises.
Officers removed the passenger seats from the bus and installed a generator and two freezers. They also plan to buy 100 backpacks and fill them with essentials such as non-perishable foods, toilet paper, shampoo, soap, razors and flashlights. Backpacks will be distributed to those who need them.
The bus will also be stocked with Narcan opioid antidote for distribution, sleeping bags and tarps for the homeless, as well as basketballs and equipment for whiffle ball, baseball, softball and football. street hockey.
“Gloucester Police are committed to working with the community to use avenues other than arrest to help those struggling with substance abuse disorders and other mental and behavioral health issues,” Conley said. “This vehicle will help us respond to those in need even more effectively than ever before.”
In the summer, the Community Impact Unit will use the bus to distribute free ice cream to children, as well as to visit parks and playgrounds.
The department plans to reach out to partners, businesses and other community members to organize and participate in events such as recreational sporting events for children.
The bus will also be stocked with brochures from all the different agencies the Community Impact Unit has partnered with and will be used during community policing events such as Safety Day and Kops ‘n’ Kids tours. .
“A positive relationship between our residents, especially our most vulnerable citizens, and their police officers is a key part of maintaining a safe and welcoming community, and I am proud of the work the Community Impact Unit has done to make this project a reality. “said Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken.” This vehicle will truly be an asset to the community, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible. “
Anyone wishing to donate to the work of the Community Impact Unit can send a check in the name of the Gloucester Fund to the Community Impact Unit at Browns Mall, 186 Main St., Suite 23, Gloucester, MA 01930. The check should state “Unity Community Impact” on the memo line.
HOW TO HELP
Anyone wishing to donate to the work of the Community Impact Unit can send a check in the name of the Gloucester Fund to the Community Impact Unit at Browns Mall, 186 Main St., Suite 23, Gloucester, MA 01930. The check should state “Unity Community Impact” on the memo line.
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