Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR)
Tiffany Wilson, Director
The Office of Alternative and Community Responses (OACR) is coordinating the Department of Law and Public Safety’s efforts to address how the Department and New Jersey’s law enforcement agencies respond to the country’s continued mental health and addiction crises. Law enforcement is often the first in the community to see the impact of these crises and the first to be asked to address them, often without the appropriate resources to do so. Traditional law enforcement responses and tools such as arrest, prosecution, and incarceration have proven inadequate in addressing the complexities of substance use disorder and mental health emergencies, often burdening frontline police officers and failing to provide effective solutions for the individual or the community impacted. This lack of success has underscored the need for alternative and coordinated strategies and solutions.
Operating within the Department of Law and Public Safety, OACR supports, coordinates, and creates strategies and collaborations aimed at enhancing public health and safety outcomes in situations where public health and public safety intersect. OACR is working to create a safer and healthier New Jersey for all by incorporating mental and behavioral health interventions, implementing innovative approaches, collaborating with communities, and promoting the well-being of law enforcement officers.
DIRECTIVE 2024-01
AG Directive 2024-01 | March 13, 2024
Directive Creating the Office of Alternative and Community Responses
PROGRAMS
PRESS RELEASES
Human Services, Office of the Attorney General & Motor Vehicle Commission Announce Efforts to Assist Law Enforcement when Interacting with Residents with Autism & Communication Disorders
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and Acting Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd today announced new efforts underway to assist law enforcement officers to communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings during encounters with individuals who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a communication disorder.
Attorney General Platkin Announces That New Jersey’s Top 15 Most Populous Municipalities are Participating in the ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that the adoption of the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program in Brick Township and Toms River Township makes the landmark program available to residents of the state’s 15 most populous municipalities. Both police departments will partner with Bright Harbor Healthcare for the provision of mental health services during ARRIVE interactions with the public. According to 2020 census data, Brick has a population of more than 73,000 residents and Toms River has more than 95,000 residents.
Division of Law Recoveries for New Jersey Rose Nearly 37% in 2023
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that civil enforcement efforts in 2023 brought in nearly $596 million through recoveries resulting from lawsuits and investigations, nearly 37% higher than in 2022.
Attorney General Platkin Announces Jersey City’s Participation in New Jersey’s ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that Jersey City will be Hudson County’s second municipality – in addition to the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office – to participate in the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program.
Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin Announce Hudson County Grant Recipient for Community Crisis Response Team
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that an organization in Jersey City was selected to receive grant funds to support the creation of a Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Program. Eligible municipalities and community-based organizations participated in a competitive grant process for up to $2 million per municipality.
Attorney General Platkin Announces Trenton’s Participation in New Jersey’s ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that the City of Trenton will join five other municipalities in Mercer County in participating in the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program.
AG Platkin: Law Enforcement Use of Force Policy Revised to Promote Safe Resolutions of Encounters with Barricaded Individuals
ARRIVE Together Program to Expand by Embedding Mental Health Providers with Tactical and Crisis Negotiation Teams.
Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin Announce Grant Recipients for Community Crisis Response Teams
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that organizations in Camden City, Newark, Paterson, and Trenton have been selected to receive grant funds to support the creation of local Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Programs.
Governor Murphy, Attorney General Platkin Announce $12 Million in Funding for Community Crisis Response Teams
Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced today that up to $12 million in funding will be made available to establish the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT) Pilot Program.
Attorney General Platkin Announces the Launch of the New “ARRIVE Together Dashboard”
Data Available Through the Dashboard Will Offer Valuable Insights into the Program.