Cambridge Police Commissioner Honored

CAMBRIDGE, MA - From Cambridge Police Department: The Riverside Community Care honnored Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. at its annual Gala, the organization’s largest annual event benefiting the Guidance Center Fund, on April 5 at the Charles Hotel.

“The recent reorganization and formation of the Family and Social Justice Section and the addition of a Clinical Support Unit – including a full time psychologist – under Commissioner Bard is a remarkable example of the department’s deep commitment to thoughtful policing. He and his team are incredibly important to kids and families -- especially their work disrupting the school to prison pipeline,” said Scott M. Bock, Founder and President/CEO of Riverside Community Care.

Riverside recognized the police department’s progressive work with youth and its valued partnership with the police department. Riverside, a behavioral healthcare and human services organization that offers a range of services in Cambridge, has been an active member of the Cambridge Safety Net Collaborative since its inception. Safety Net has become a national model for limiting youth involvement in the juvenile justice system through coordinated prevention, intervention, and diversion services for Cambridge youth and families.

"It is an absolute honor and privilege to receive this honor,” said Bard. “Riverside has been a long-term, valued partner of the Cambridge Police Department helping us implement new programming, enhance services and offer valuable counsel to our officers and professional staff. We wouldn’t be able to progress as a department without partners like Riverside."