Ithaca officials took a major step toward reimagining public safety with a new community responder program.
The City of Ithaca Common Council adopted a resolution Feb. 10 to pilot the ROOTS team, short for Responders Offering Outreach, Trust, and Support, for a three-year period.
City leaders designed the program to handle non-violent calls for service with a supportive, people-centered approach. ROOTS will work alongside traditional policing, not replace it, as part of the city’s broader Reimagining Public Safety initiative.
Under the plan, ROOTS responders may be dispatched through 911, requested by the Ithaca Police Department, or self-engage when they see someone who needs help. The team will operate alongside existing efforts such as community policing, the CARE mental health responder team, and other outreach programs across the city.
“ROOTS is a careful and thoughtful step toward our long-term equitable public safety goals,” Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio said. “By piloting the program with a small team, by relying on existing funding, and by working closely with our police and community partners, we are creating a strong foundation for a model that prioritizes trust, outreach, and real support for our community.”
City officials said the program aims to reduce reliance on traditional policing when an enforcement response is not appropriate. Community feedback, data collection, and ongoing evaluation will guide any future changes or expansion.
“ROOTS reflects the policy direction our Council has set and does so in a careful and coordinated way,” said Monalita Smiley, director of the Community Justice Center. “This program uses the resources we already have and strengthens our partnerships across departments. It is a practical and community centered step toward a safer and more supportive Ithaca.”
Mayor Robert Cantelmo called the launch a long-promised milestone.
“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,” Cantelmo said. “Today, I am proud to see that commitment realized.”
He said the ROOTS team strengthens the city’s public safety system by adding a trusted response focused on care, de-escalation, and connection.
City officials said residents can follow updates on the ROOTS program on the City of Ithaca website or attend upcoming public engagement sessions.
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