(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police is announcing the creation of the Community Resource Response Team. This team was formed after listening to the concerns raised by citizens at several community meetings.

The Division recognizes that critical incidents impact not only those involved but the community as a whole. The destabilization that occurs as a result of a critical incident can lead to community members feeling unsafe, alarmed, isolated, and in search of answers.

The New Castle County Division of Police will utilize internal resources consisting of the Community Services Unit, Victim Services Unit, and the Behavioral Health Unit. These resources will be coupled with stakeholders from the Delaware Division for Substance Abuse, Mental Health Mobile Bridge Clinic, and Christiana Care Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families to create the Community Resource Response Team.

The objective of the team is to assist the community by offering immediate access to resources, early intervention, prevention, and education with a trauma-informed approach. This enables members of the community to process the aftermath of the event.

The ultimate goal is to increase community resiliency and decrease the effects of trauma associated with the critical incident. The hope is that this will also increase trust and communication between the community, members of the multi-disciplinary team, and law enforcement.

Due to the confidential nature of the services provided; social media and traditional media with not be utilized when the team deploys. Instead, community leaders, religious leaders, civic associations, and/or advocacy groups of the affected community will be notified by the Community Resource Response Team accompanied by a Reverse 911.