Law enforcement is routinely expected to respond to individuals in behavioral health crises. However, they are often not adequately trained and lack relationships with healthcare providers and access to on-site crisis clinicians. In 2003, the Co-Response Model of Arrest Diversion was launched at the Framingham, Massachusetts, Police Department to address these gaps. Dr. Abbott, the first Co-Response social worker to be embedded in a law enforcement agency in Massachusetts, rode along with police officers on patrol daily. Since then, Dr. Abbott has successfully implemented, launched, and replicated the Co-Response model in over 35 law enforcement agencies. She has dedicated her career to improving police responses to individuals experiencing a crisis.
Dr. Abbott has worked extensively with law enforcement and behavioral health organizations to develop, fund, evaluate, and replicate a best practice model of a police and behavioral health partnership. This model aims to reduce stigma, increase community safety, lessen force, enhance communication, and provide the support necessary to achieve and sustain data-driven community-wide outcomes. Dr. Abbott has successfully demonstrated changes in law enforcement attitudes and perceptions through building skills, collaboration, and trust with their Co-Response partners.
Dr. Abbott is an accomplished leader in implementing Co-Response partnerships. She has given extensive presentations on the intersection between criminal justice and individuals in emotional or psychiatric crises. Dr. Abbott has created training programs and provided technical assistance on various topics related to criminal justice reform. Her work has gained recognition from local, state, national, and international press publications. Furthermore, she has published academic and technical writings related to her research and professional experiences. Dr. Abbott has received several awards for her innovative and highly esteemed work.
Dr. Abbott holds a BA (Hons) in Community Studies, an MA in Criminal Justice, and a Ph.D. in Law, Policy, and Society. She is a licensed Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.