Mobile Outreach and Support Teams (MOST)
Mobile Outreach and Support Teams (MOST) are made up of practitioners trained to support persons with mental health challenges. Police Chief Herridge of the St Thomas Police Service will describe how the MOST program serves as a vehicle for increased collaboration between law enforcement and treatment providers towards more optimum outcomes.
Chief Chris Herridge started his career as a cadet with the St. Thomas Police on February 26th, 1989.
After nearly a decade of dedicated service on general patrol, in the traffic unit and in the training branch, Chris began to climb the ranks. Chris was promoted to Sergeant (1998), then Staff Sergeant (1999). During this time, he supervised several departmental units including general patrol, criminal investigations and support services. In June of 2013, his career advanced again taking a turn to the administrative side of policing with a promotion to Inspector followed by Staff Inspector in 2017.
Chris Herridge was appointed Acting Chief of Police June 1st, 2017 and officially took over as Chief of the St. Thomas Police Service on January 1st, 2018.
Chief Herridge is committed to lifelong learning and over the years has received a Diploma in Police Sciences, Certificate in Human Resources Management and a Degree in Bachelor of Policing. He is also a graduate of the Rotman Police Executive Leadership Program, University of Toronto. Chief Herridge is also a recipient of the Police Exemplary Medal.
Megan Smythe is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from King’s University College, she is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work from the University of Waterloo. Megan has worked for CMHATV for 3 years, she first began working as a Mental Health Worker in the Community Homes for Opportunity program in St. Thomas supporting a caseload of individuals with mental health concerns living in residential care homes in 2019. Megan became part of MOST just over a year ago in March 2021.
Hollie Lauzon is a Registered Social Worker with a Bachelor of Social Work from King’s University College. Hollie has worked for CMHATV for 3 years, she first began working in the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative in St. Thomas as a Mental Health Worker working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges in supportive housing in 2019. Hollie joined MOST in September 2021 and has been enjoying her time on the team thus far.