GLOUCESTER — Police Chief Edward Conley reports that the Gloucester Police Department is hosting train the trainer training to help numerous City of Gloucester employees and others learn to go about their jobs while being trauma informed.
The training, entitled How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses, trains those who participate on how to train others to be trauma-informed while going about their duties.
The training teaches that trauma can have lifelong effects on those who experience it, and that trauma is often associated with criminal actions among survivors, meaning that understanding the effects of trauma can help police tailor their responses to individuals in ways that are safer for all.
Seven employees of the City of Gloucester and Gloucester Police Department are participating in the training, as are individuals from Rockport, Lynnfield, Middleton, Beverly, Salisbury, Ipswich, Salem, Lynn and Methuen.
Participating from Gloucester are Lt. Jeremiah Nicastro, Community Navigator Tito Rodriguez, School Resource Officer Michael Scola, School Resource Officer Peter Sutera, Gloucester High School Assistant Principal Allison Alves, District Director of Cape Ann Veterans Vionette Chipperini, and Gloucester Fire Capt. Kevin Gargan.
Each of the individuals trained will learn how to provide trauma-informed training to others in their agencies.
“This training will equip several of our people to train others in the department on this important subject matter,” said Chief Conley. “Being trauma-informed will help our officers have a greater understanding of those they deal with, and a greater level of empathy and effectiveness.”
Lt. Nicastro helped to organize the training with Policy Research Associates, a New York firm that specializes in such training. The training is being funded by a grant from the Gloucester Health Department.
The training was held May 15 and 16 at the Gloucester Police Department’s Community Impact Unit offices.
“By engaging in this meaningful training, our public safety officials are equipping themselves with the necessary tools to connect with individuals that may be struggling or dealing with past traumas,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “I take pride in their proactive approach to learning, enabling them to not only lead but also to share these important lessons with their colleagues, ultimately enhancing our ability to serve our community.”