CLEVELAND — From the looks of it, Alyssa Carnivale and Officer Joe Favio are old friends. But, in reality, they've been building a partnership for several weeks, fueled by important work in the community.
They're part of a police ambassador pilot program in University Circle, which pairs officers with a person dealing with mental health or intellectual challenges.
"It's really a beautiful thing. We learn from them. They learn from us. They're actually paid UCPD employees now, part-time employees and they are doing a fantastic job," Chief Thomas Wetzel said.
Chief Wetzel says he wanted to launch the program to bridge the gap between police officers and the mental health community.
"I'm hoping people will be more comfortable when they deal with police officers. That they know that we're there to help them or actually serving them," he said.
The department partnered up with the HELP Foundation and Magnolia Clubhouse, which serves those with mental health struggles.
"We help train police in general. And so it's really exciting to now be a part of the workforce in a sense, in a very positive community-focused way," said Lori D'Angelo, Ph.D., executive director of Magnolia Clubhouse.
For Alyssa, it's about the teamwork. They're learning from each other, and making a difference every day.
"I always worried if I had a crisis what might happen with police officers. But (Joe) really has been compassionate and showed me that there's not much to worry about and that they're looking out for me," Alyssa said.
University Circle Inc. president Kate Borders says the concept is forward thinking, and she's proud to have it in the community.
"So having police officers work hand in hand with an individual who has a challenge of this nature gives them the training that they need to go forth and help other people.," Borders said. "I just think it's, it's a magnificent program."
The police officers in the program volunteer and are approved by the department. The ambassadors do everything from clerical work to outreach patrols with officers. However, they do not respond to dangerous calls.
To learn more about the program, click HERE.
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