Preparing Social Workers for Emerging Roles in Police Social Work

ABSTRACT

Schools of social work must prepare social workers to meet the demands of the rapidly emerging field of police social work. This article reports on the experiences of a social work program’s partnership with a police department. The authors identify an integrative practice model of police social work, specifying social work roles at the baccalaureate and graduate levels, as well as ethical issues. The model is based on the social work competencies and law enforcement best practices. The authors analyze the experiences of placing students directly into law enforcement settings and make recommendations to create successful experiences for students, social workers, and police. The importance of strategic partnerships, communication, trust, and support in building strong relationships is also highlighted.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Isabel Logan

Isabel Logan is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University.

Robert Madden

Robert Madden is a Professor of Social Work at University of Saint Joseph.

Matthew Solak

Matthew Solak is a Lieutenant at the Willimantic Police Department-CT.