CPD's Director of Clinical Support Services to Speak at National Institute of Justice Conference

CPD’s Director of Clinical Support Services to Speak at National Institute of Justice Conference

Cambridge Police Department’s Dr. James Barrett will speak on a panel at the National Institute of Justice’s 2024 National Research Conference happening September 16 – 18 in Pittsburgh. The seven-member panel will explore innovative, data-driven advancements in criminal and juvenile justice research, with particular emphasis on improving data linkages and interventions for youth. Dr. Barrett will share his expertise on integrating health and criminal justice data to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. The conference theme is “Advancing Justice Through Science,” and will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates to discuss how the latest research evidence can be implemented to promote safety, equity, and justice for all.

Dr. Barrett works out of CPD’s Family and Social Justice Section and oversees the Clinical Support Unit (CSU). Dr. Barrett’s unit works alongside specially trained officers to prevent the unnecessary arrest and detention of people diagnosed with mental health conditions. CSU uses a case management and follow up approach, where social workers follow up on mental health calls with the goal of stabilizing and supporting residents in the community. CPD recently deployed a co-response model as an enhancement to our current model. A clinician is paired with an officer in a patrol car to respond to police 911 calls in the city that involve mental health. 

In addition to his role at CPD, Dr. Barrett is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry (part-time) at Harvard Medical School. He is also an Associate Clinical Researcher at the Health Equity Research Lab at the Cambridge Health Alliance, where he received the Academic Council Award for Excellence.