Today, the Mount Vernon Police Department launched the Wellness Division & Precinct which is the first of its kind in the region. This is much more than a co-response model but a comprehensive model to violence prevention, intervention and restorative justice. We must address the root causes of both violence and community disengagement like mental health, trauma, anger, addiction, homelessness, under education, underemployment, housing and a myriad of social and emotional issues if we expect to build a safer and thriving community. I look forward to working with a growing network of government, human service, business, faith and civic partners who are committed to ensuring that everyone from youth to elders feel safe and supported.
