First, we had to get beyond their anger. Then, we had to help them work through their embarrassment. To help them change, we talk to all agencies that have control over the person. We have a direct link to the social service provider team, so we can help the brothers and sisters get what they need
Risco-Mention Lewis, Deputy Police Commissioner, Suffolk County, New York
In Hempstead, the Council of Thought and Action (COTA) is working to set new community norms against crime; to move former offenders to success; and to reset relationships between the community, offenders, and law enforcement. We called the day after the gathering “Day 1.” Starting then, we met with the brothers and sisters (call-in candidates) every day for three to four months. Then we switched to every two weeks.
First, we had to get beyond their anger. Then, we had to help them work through their embarrassment. To help them change, we talk to all agencies that have control over the person. We have a direct link to the social service provider team, so we can help the brothers and sisters get what they need. We also have the full support of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Even months after the gathering, if a candidate commits a new crime or probation or parole violation, he should be arrested right away. One of our brothers had been coming to follow-up meetings and staying out of trouble for months. Then he offended. When a judge learned he had been through DMI, he sent the candidate to jail for a year. We corresponded while he was in jail. When he got out, he came back to us. It’s all about personal relationships.
