Maria Santos was having one of those days. Her teenage son hadn’t come home the night before, and when she finally found him sleeping rough behind the downtown library, she wasn’t sure who to call. The police felt too heavy-handed for a kid who was clearly struggling, but she needed help navigating the maze of social services and mental health resources.
What if there was a middle ground? What if someone could respond who understood both the urgency of the situation and the delicate nature of family crisis?
That’s exactly the gap Ithaca’s new community responder team aims to fill.
A New Approach to Community Crisis Response
The City of Ithaca just took a bold step toward reimagining public safety. On February 10, the Common Council approved a three-year pilot program for the ROOTS team—Responders Offering Outreach, Trust, and Support. This community responder team represents a fundamental shift in how the city handles non-violent emergencies and community crises.
Unlike traditional emergency response, ROOTS focuses on de-escalation, connection, and long-term support rather than enforcement. The team operates alongside existing police services, filling a crucial gap between law enforcement and social services.
“ROOTS is a careful and thoughtful step toward our long-term equitable public safety goals,” said Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio. “We’re creating a strong foundation for a model that prioritizes trust, outreach, and real support for our community.”
The program emerges from Ithaca’s broader Reimagining Public Safety initiative, reflecting years of community input and policy development. Rather than replacing traditional policing, this community responder team adds another tool to the city’s public safety toolkit.
How the ROOTS Community Responder Team Works
The ROOTS program operates through multiple activation pathways, ensuring comprehensive coverage for community needs. Here’s how residents can access these services:
- 911 Dispatch: Emergency dispatchers can send ROOTS responders directly to appropriate calls
- Police Referral: Ithaca Police Department can request ROOTS team assistance during or after incidents
- Proactive Engagement: Team members can initiate contact when they identify someone in need of support
- Community Integration: ROOTS works alongside existing programs like community policing and the CARE mental health team
The community responder team focuses specifically on non-violent situations where traditional law enforcement might not be the most appropriate response. This includes mental health crises, homelessness concerns, family disputes, and other social service needs.
| Response Type | Traditional Police | ROOTS Team |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Crisis | Enforcement-focused | Support and de-escalation |
| Homelessness Issues | Compliance-based | Resource connection |
| Family Disputes | Incident resolution | Long-term mediation |
| Community Concerns | Reactive response | Proactive engagement |
“ROOTS reflects the policy direction our Council has set and does so in a careful and coordinated way,” explained Monalita Smiley, director of the Community Justice Center. “This program uses the resources we already have and strengthens our partnerships across departments.”
What This Means for Ithaca Residents
For families like Maria’s, the ROOTS community responder team could mean the difference between escalation and resolution. Instead of choosing between calling police or handling complex situations alone, residents now have access to trained professionals who specialize in community support and crisis intervention.
The program particularly benefits vulnerable populations who may have had negative experiences with traditional law enforcement. Elderly residents, individuals experiencing homelessness, people with mental health challenges, and families in crisis can access help without fear of criminalization or punitive responses.
Local business owners also stand to benefit. Rather than calling police for every disruptive situation, they can request ROOTS responders who focus on connecting people with appropriate resources and addressing underlying issues.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo emphasized the personal significance of this launch: “When I first announced my candidacy for mayor, I promised Ithacans that we would establish and resource an alternative crisis response team to meet our current moment. Today, I am proud to see that commitment realized.”
Building Trust Through Community-Centered Response
The success of any community responder team depends on public trust and community buy-in. ROOTS addresses this challenge by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement based on community feedback.
The three-year pilot structure allows for careful evaluation and adjustment based on real-world outcomes. City officials plan to collect comprehensive data on response times, community satisfaction, and long-term impact on public safety metrics.
This data-driven approach ensures that the program evolves to meet actual community needs rather than operating on assumptions about what might work. Regular community input sessions will provide ongoing opportunities for residents to share their experiences and suggest improvements.
The program also leverages existing funding sources and established partnerships, making it a fiscally responsible approach to expanding public safety options. Rather than requiring massive budget increases, ROOTS maximizes current resources while building toward more comprehensive community support systems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Response
The launch of Ithaca’s ROOTS team reflects a growing national movement toward community-based emergency response. Cities across the country are experimenting with similar programs, recognizing that complex social problems require nuanced solutions.
Early indicators suggest strong community support for the initiative. Local advocacy groups, social service providers, and community leaders have praised the collaborative approach and emphasis on harm reduction over punishment.
The program’s success could serve as a model for other communities grappling with similar challenges. By demonstrating that community responder teams can effectively handle non-violent emergencies while maintaining public safety, Ithaca may influence policy development across New York State and beyond.
For residents like Maria, the ROOTS community responder team represents hope—hope that when crisis strikes, help will come in the form that’s most needed, not just most available.
FAQs
What does ROOTS stand for?
ROOTS stands for Responders Offering Outreach, Trust, and Support.
Will ROOTS replace the police department?
No, the community responder team works alongside traditional policing, not as a replacement.
How can residents access ROOTS services?
Residents can access ROOTS through 911 dispatch, police referrals, or through proactive community engagement by team members.
What types of situations will ROOTS handle?
ROOTS focuses on non-violent calls including mental health crises, family disputes, homelessness issues, and other community support needs.
How long will the program run?
The ROOTS program is approved as a three-year pilot, with evaluation and potential expansion based on community feedback and data collection.
How is the program funded?
The program uses existing city funding sources and leverages current partnerships rather than requiring significant budget increases.
About the Author
