Trailblazer in Crisis: Rachel Caruso Leads Mental Health Response to Brown Shooting | PRIMENEWSNOW

Unexpected Turn on a Routine Police Ride-Along

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday, December 13, Rachel Caruso was participating in a police ride-along when an urgent call disrupted the routine. Shots had been reported at Brown University.

Social Workers on Patrol: A Unique Initiative

Since 2004, Family Service of Rhode Island has integrated licensed social workers like Caruso into police patrols. Their mission is to provide immediate mental health support at crime scenes, assisting survivors of domestic violence, homicides, and other traumatic events.

On that particular night, Caruso and her police partner were engaged in a holiday task, collecting gifts for families in need. However, their plans changed abruptly when the radio crackled with news of gunfire.

Responding to Crisis at Brown University

Caruso and the officer quickly headed to the Barus & Holley engineering building, the site of the reported shooting. While protocol required her to stay in the vehicle until it was safe, Caruso was proactive. She contacted her supervisor to mobilize a trauma response team, ready to assist as soon as the police secured the area.

“Being embedded with the police allows us to react swiftly,” Caruso explained. “In situations like this, our rapid response is crucial.”

Providing Support in the Aftermath

Once the scene was deemed safe, Caruso joined others in the university’s athletic facility, which had been transformed into a reunification center for students and families. She was soon accompanied by 20 mental health professionals, all dedicated to offering support.

“Our focus was on maintaining a calm environment and answering questions as best we could,” Caruso shared. “There were many uncertainties, but our presence was vital in providing reassurance.”

Finding Peace in Helping Others

Caruso, like many responders, continues to process the events of that night. Yet, she finds solace in her role within a compassionate, multi-agency team dedicated to aiding those in crisis.

“Despite the horrors I’ve witnessed, I find peace in the impact of our work,” she reflected.