Mercer Times

Governor Phil Murphy expressed his support for the Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR), stating, “This entity will continue to supplement our law enforcement agencies on the front lines with innovative methods to assist residents in need and to confront these public health crises in communities across our state.”

Attorney General Platkin emphasized the significance of the establishment of the OACR, stating, “By prioritizing collaborative, community-informed, and public health centered approaches, we aim to employ law-enforcement strategies that are smart, just, and which make our communities safer and healthier.”

Director of the Office of Alternative and Community Responses, Tiffany Wilson, highlighted the importance of the OACR, stating, “Together, we’re redefining public safety, while fostering relationships between law enforcement, health care professionals, and our communities aimed at keeping New Jerseyans safe and healthy.”

Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Sarah Adelman, emphasized the collaborative efforts with the OACR, stating, “The creation of this new Office supports our efforts with the Attorney General to meet health care crises with a health care response.”

Retired Chief Edward C. Dobleman, CIT-NJ Director of Legacy Treatment Services, commended the OACR for its unity and effectiveness, stating, “By breaking down silos, streamlining processes, and prioritizing improved outcomes, it paves the way for a more effective support system.”

Executive Director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, Michael D. Anestis, highlighted the potential life-saving impact of OACR’s involvement in educating stakeholders about New Jersey’s Extreme Risk Protection Order policy.

The establishment of the OACR marks a significant milestone in the Department’s ongoing priority of advancing innovation in public safety. The Office will focus on preventing crime, transforming law enforcement responses, improving public safety, and promoting the resiliency of law enforcement officers through various initiatives and programs.

The creation of four new bureaus under the OACR, including the Opioid Prevention and Response Bureau, the Resiliency Bureau, the Law Enforcement-Led Alternative Policy and Programming Bureau, and the Diversionary Policy Bureau, will address different aspects of public safety and community responses.

Overall, the formalization of the Office of Alternative and Community Responses in New Jersey represents a crucial step towards enhancing public safety responses and addressing mental health and addiction crises in a more effective and collaborative manner.