On May 15th, Barbara Costa, Community Policing Coordinator with our Nashua Police Department, addressed the Rotary Club of Nashua regarding the many programs offered by the Police Dept. National Night Out, Citizens Academy-a 9 week program, Autism registry, Dementia registry, Neighborhood Groups and our Police Athletic League (PAL).
Barbara noted you do not have to have an emergency to call the police dept, a common misconception. They have a local line (603) 594-3500 to field many questions and concerns about our community. There is still some uncertainty regarding what to report as part of a neighborhood watch program and they are working to dispel other myths and perceptions around law enforcement and police are presently focusing on more work with downtown business owners among other stakeholders.
Barbara spoke about the concept of equity. Our Dept. received funding for the language line so everyone has access to communicate and be understood. Interpretive services are one of the most important ways in which they promote equity. Other equity work includes partnerships with nonprofits like the YMCA and the Youth Council.
Beth Covino at one point needed to do a long-distance wellness check and called every phone number she could think of to try to find local help, and several resources pointed her to 9-1-1. She had not realized that 9-1-1 could transfer her to get the right help she needed from the right people.
The Youth Council Executive Director Casey Caster asked about the Autism Registry and additional support like hiring a social worker to support the Nashua area’s autistic community. There is a shortage of hirable staff, but the Mayor supports the initiative and it’s moving forward.
Jack Law and Leon Barry asked questions around homelessness, the scope of the problem, language access for them, and immigration status thereof and whether or not there is a clear path to citizenship. At this time, there is not, and the police are actively partnering with many organizations to support houseless individuals as well as immigrant communities.