At RISE, we are excited to announce a transformative new partnership with the Saratoga Springs Police Department (SSPD) that aims to strengthen our outreach and engagement services. This collaboration is designed to enhance support for individuals in need and to foster positive relationships between the police and those we serve in our community.
The Saratoga Springs Police Department has designated two officers as Community Engagement Officers (CEOs), Officer Cameron Mandala and Officer Ryan Nicholson. These officers are embedded within the community, working closely with RISE’s Outreach and Engagement Services (OES) Harm Reduction team, Maegan Williams-Howarth and William Fennel. A few days each week, the OES team joins forces with the CEOs, responding to substance-related calls and canvassing the area to identify individuals in need of support. Together, they provide essential services and resources to individuals who may benefit from our programs.
The collaboration between our teams is an exciting development, as it allows us to reach those who may be hesitant to seek help or who are unaware of the resources available to them. By working side-by-side with police officers who are trained in community engagement, we are able to create an environment of trust and safety.
One of the core goals of this partnership is to offer a familiar, friendly face within the SSPD that individuals can form trusting and supportive relationships with. We recognize that many individuals we serve have experienced challenging encounters with law enforcement in the past. As a result, there is often a negative stigma surrounding the police, making it difficult for some people to engage with them in a positive way.
However, through our work at the shelter and with street outreach, we’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to break down these barriers. The presence of the CEOs in our programs allows us to build rapport with clients, helping them feel more comfortable reaching out for assistance when needed. By working together in a non-confrontational, supportive way, we’re able to offer a smoother, more compassionate response to crisis situations, knowing that we’ve already established positive relationships with those involved.
Thank you, Saratoga Springs Police Department for the continued collaboration with RISE!