ACTON — The Acton Police Department is proud to report that Chief James Cogan has been recognized with the 2025 Visionary Award, presented by the Metro Boston Crisis Intervention Team Training & Technical Assistance Center (CIT-TTAC).
The Metro Boston CIT-TTAC, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, is an innovative community partnership involving law enforcement and mental health professionals. The organization provides training to local police to increase utilization of behavioral health resources, leading to reduced arrests and involuntary mental health commitments.
Chief Cogan was one of six Massachusetts police chiefs recognized in May during the Metro Boston CIT-TTAC’s 5th annual Beyond CIT event at the Boston Marriott in Peabody. Chief Cogan could not attend in May, and so was presented with his award at the Action Public Safety Facility this week.
Chief Cogan was recognized for advocating for increased Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training within the Acton Police Department, which completed the International Association of Police Chiefs’ (IACP) One Mind Campaign. The One Mind Campaign requires police departments to form partnerships with local mental health agencies, while ensuring that all officers are trained in either CIT or Mental Health First Aid.
Additionally, Chief Cogan created the department’s first PEER Support program to help address officer wellness and mental health. He also led the department as mental health clinicians were integrated into the patrol force for the first time, giving police an on-scene resource to better connect those suffering from mental health crises with trauma-informed support, resources, and follow-up care.
“These are just a few of the ways you have demonstrated that you are not only an amazing leader, but truly a visionary who is compassionate about implementing CIT, connecting individuals with more appropriate services in your community and improving the resiliency and wellness of your staff, said Sabrina Ozit, coordinator of law enforcement partnerships for Metro Boston CIT-TTAC.
“Chief Cogan has played a key role in strengthening partnerships with community stakeholders, including mental health providers, advocacy groups, and local service organizations. Through these collaborations, our department has enhanced diversion programs, ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health crises receive appropriate care rather than unnecessary incarceration,” Deputy Chief Douglas Sturniolo said in a letter nominating Chief Cogan for the award. “Chief Cogan has not only championed the principles of CIT but has also cultivated a department-wide commitment to compassionate and effective policing. His dedication to progressive law enforcement practices has set a standard for our officers and has had a lasting impact on our community and our department.”
“Acton is fortunate to have a progressive and proactive leader like James Cogan as our Police Chief,” said Town Manager John Mangiaratti. “He has prioritized efforts to support the mental health needs of residents in our community, and he has ensured that all of our officers are trained to provide this support.”
To learn more about Metro Boston CIT-TTAC, visit: https://www.metrobostoncit.org/.
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.