Arlington Police Department’s Clinical Responder Receives Award

ARLINGTON,MA — The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health recognized a member of the Arlington Police Department recently for her work clinical collaboration.

Last year, the department of mental health started honoring a law enforcement officer and a police co-response clinician for their exceptional dedication, commitment and service to those who are in crisis, and in turn, helping their communities. Nominations for these awards come from the community.

This year, they chose to recognize Arlington Police Department Clinical Responder Rebecca Wolfe for exemplary performance for clinical collaboration with law enforcement by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health.

“We are so proud of Rebecca on this outstanding achievement and even more thankful that we have her working with us here in Arlington,” Chief Frederick Ryan said in a statement. “Rebecca has done tremendous work helping us combat the opioid epidemic on a local level, and I am confident that she will continue to go above and beyond the call of duty as a vital resource to our community.”

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Wolfe began her career with the Arlington Police Department in 2010 as a clinician embedded within the department. She serves as the department’s clinical responder and jail diversion program coordinator, assisting police when they intervene with individuals experiencing psychiatric symptoms, which often involves other behavioral health issues, including substance abuse.

As part of the Arlington Outreach Initiative — a police assisted recovery program where law enforcement officials reach out to residents who are struggling with substance abuse disorders — Wolfe helps officers get involved with individuals on a personal level to provide recovery resources, according to a press release.

Wolfe received her award on June 14, at the seventh annual Mental Health and Law Enforcement Conference at Fitchburg State University.

Courtesy Photo via Guilford Media.