New Domestic Violence Advocate Named To This Police Department In San Mateo County

SAN MATEO, CA — The San Mateo Police Department announced Friday the hiring of a domestic violence emergency response team advocate, who will embed with officers during domestic violence reports.

Kayla Adams is the new domestic violence emergency response team advocate and her role will be to provide immediate, trauma-informed support for victims in the field and continue follow-up to connect victims with critical resources, police said.

Adams has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Washington. She brings over ten years of experience as a mental health case manager in Seattle, WA, and most recently served as a Legal Officer Assistant for San Mateo County Probation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kayla Adams to the San Mateo Police Department as part of our DVERT program. Her experience and compassion will be invaluable in providing immediate support to victim-survivors of domestic violence. This partnership allows us to respond more effectively and humanely in some of the most difficult situations our officers encounter. It reflects our ongoing commitment to community-centered policing and to ensuring survivors have the resources and support they need from the very first moment,” said San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini.

The Domestic Violence Emergency Response Team Pilot Program is a partnership between the County of San Mateo’s Sheriff’s Office, Daly City Police Department, San Mateo Police Department, and CORA, which provides crisis intervention services.

The DVERT Advocate program places domestic violence advocates within local agencies. Both law enforcement and the advocate are alerted to domestic violence calls. After police secure the scene, the advocate engages with the victim-survivor, if consented. The program aims to ensure safety, support law enforcement, and provide immediate services to victim-survivors when they are most receptive.