Selectmen approve $114,000 federal grant to fund integrated police social worker

The Board of Selectmen voted to accept a $114,000 federal Special Projects Grant to fund a part-time integrated police social worker for two years.

A presenter told the board the grant will "fund an integrated police social worker part-time for two years" in a second-responder model, with the social worker accompanying police or following up after incidents to provide de-escalation, short-term counseling and case management. The presenter said all grant funds go directly to supporting the position and that the town must track demographics, referral types and follow-up metrics required by the grant.

The board discussed supervision and operations. The presenter said the position would be officially town-funded, with the office located at the police station and daily interaction with officers: "they're fully integrated with the police so the office is going to be at the police station; they're going to be interacting every day with police officers." Chief Drum and Lieutenant York were identified in discussion as partners who supported the position.

Board members asked about sustainability after the two-year grant. The presenter said the town may apply remaining funds into a third year if underspent, but continuing the position after the grant would require additional local funding: "if we want to continue this after two years ... we would need funding." Selectmen noted the benefit of follow-up services in reducing repeat police calls and emphasized that the town will evaluate metrics before deciding whether to make the role permanent.

The board voted to accept the grant; the motion carried.

The next step is to formalize supervision and reporting metrics and to implement the position in coordination with the police department.