By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Mayor Arthur Vigeant asked the City Council to accept a grant in the amount of $135,000, awarded by the Department of Mental Health, at the Sept. 28 meeting. It will be used to continue funding the Police Department’s Jail Diversion Program (JDP), in conjunction with Advocates, Inc., for the next three fiscal years.
“The Jail Diversion Program has been a huge success and the partnership between the Marlborough Police Department and Advocates continues to prosper and grow,” said Police Chief Mark E. Leonard. “The JDP clinician working with the Police Department has helped to divert many individuals from the criminal justice system into appropriate community based mental health and substance abuse services. Police officers are spending less time on calls related to persons with mental health and substance abuse related issues and a qualified highly trained clinician is assisting in diverting those in need from jail cells to the appropriate human service agency.”
The department also received a gift of $850 from the Marlborough Savings Bank.
“The bank has graciously donated these funds to be used for an upcoming Police K-9 Street Tactics seminar being held Oct. 5-7 in New York,” said Police Chief Mark E. Leonard in his communication to Mayor Arthur Vigeant. “The donation will cover the cost of the seminar and lodging accommodations for the officer and K-9.”
Councilor Michael Ossing thanked the local bank on behalf of the council and city residents. Both grants were graciously accepted.