John,

As we wind down the year, LEAP is spotlighting key justice and drug policy issues that made an impact in 2021. Our law enforcement experts address these topics head-on, creating positive change to the justice system. Throughout our year-end funding campaign, you’ll hear directly from our speakers on why these issues matter to them personally, and why they should matter to everyone invested in changing the system – and the world – for the better.

In 2021, LEAP continued our work on the ground in more than 20 cities, advancing The Community Responder Model, an innovative solution to reduce reliance on police to address societal issues they're not trained to handle. By having trained civilian responders address issues that don't require a police response, we improve police-community relations, use police resources more wisely, and increase the ability of police to make a positive impact on critical public safety issues.

LEAP Speaker Assistant Chief Tom Thompson (Ret.) works with community leaders around the country on the implementation of the Community Responder Model. Here, he explains how this model brings police together with their communities:

LEAP: From your perspective as law enforcement, why is the Community Responder Model such an important issue right now?

Tom: As a law enforcement officer, I see the Community Responder Model as valuable because it is community-driven. An approach that enhances public safety, equity, and justice for all stakeholders has been clearly desired, and this model enables the public to collaborate with police and other important stakeholders in building an application that makes sense while addressing those important issues.

LEAP: What is the most encouraging thing you observed in 2021 while working on advising cities on implementing the community responder model?

Tom: Seeing barriers in communication broken down as community, police, and other stakeholders put their personal agendas aside to work together to effectively and efficiently address public safety is the most encouraging.

LEAP: What do you believe makes LEAP the right organization to help cities around the country implement the community responder model? 

Tom: LEAP is the perfect organization to assist in building and implementing these models because of their vast network of relationships with organizations throughout the country. Those relationships enable LEAP to readily identify best practices and translate those applications to stakeholders in communities requesting LEAP's service, knowledge, and expertise.

In Solidarity,

Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) & the LEAP Team
Executive Director

LEAP Introduces the Community Responder Model Around the Country 
  • Lt. Diane Goldstein (Ret.) was interviewed by USA Today about the Community Responder Model proposed by LEAP and the Center for American Progress.
  • Detective Debbie Ramsey (Ret.) presented a strong argument for why cities should embrace a community responder model in an op-ed published by The Washington Post.
  • Chief Ronnie Roberts, a LEAP ally, referenced LEAP's work with the Center for American Progress in an article in Police Chief Magazine on police supporting civilian 911 responders.
 

Law Enforcement Action Partnership
121 Mystic Avenue Suite 9 | Medford, Massachusetts 02155
781-393-6985 | [email protected]

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