Joseph Coffey
I am thirty-year law enforcement professional, serving in both Corrections and Policing. In 2015, I retired from the Warwick, Rhode Island Police Department, holding the rank of Captain. I am a thirteen-year military veteran, serving in the Army and Army Reserve, with my last assignment as an instructor at the Rhode Island Military Academy. I am a proud graduate of the US Army Special Forces Airborne Course.
I possess a lifetime of personal and professional exposure to people experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges, having been raised and employed in environments in which such illnesses were widespread and often misunderstood. Acting on these experiences and my true desire to improve outcomes between public safety and my community’s most vulnerable members, I implemented various police mental health collaboration programs, policies, and curricula. I helped established the first Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in Rhode Island, partnered with local community mental health agencies to establish a Community Mental Health Diversion program, and created a Probation/Police Mental Health Reentry partnership. Concurrently, I remained steadfast in my efforts to reduce opioid overdose deaths through my contributions on the Rhode Island Suicide Prevention Coalition, Rhode Island Mental Health Association Board of Directors, and Governor’s Overdose Prevention Task Force. Additionally, I initiated prescription drug disposal unit and Naloxone (Narcan) deployment programs, both firsts for a municipal police department in Rhode Island.
Upon his retirement, I followed my passion for helping our community’s most vulnerable members by creating BlueAid Consulting, Inc., a company providing training, advocacy, and collaboration, with a mission to improve the lives of people living with mental illness and substance use disorders.
In 2008, I partnered with the National Council for Behavioral Health to co-author the Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety course (MHFA). He is a certified MHFA National Trainer, presenting public safety, veterans, and youth instructor courses throughout the United States. I hold additional instructional certifications in Mental Health Crisis Response, Department of the Army Small Group Instruction, Law Enforcement Instructor Development, as well as numerous leadership and specialized skills certifications.
I served as an adjunct instructor at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, Roger Williams University School of Justice Studies, and guest presenter in the Salve Regina University School of Graduate Studies/Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Program.
I have been recognized by federal and state leaders, local community mental health organizations, Warwick Police Department Life Saving Award, ASIS International, RI Commission for the deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Special Olympics Rhode Island.