Police Departments Integrate Social Workers to Address Mental Health Calls

Chris Hatton, police chief of Sylva, North Carolina, notes that many 911 calls are not crime-related, reflecting social issues like homelessness and mental health crises. This gap in traditional policing has led to the integration of social workers into police departments to address these challenges.

Since October 2021, the Sylva Police Department has partnered with Western Carolina University to embed a social worker in its operations. This innovative model allows the social worker to respond alongside officers to incidents and provide follow-up support, aiming to connect individuals to community resources and services.

Hatton emphasizes that social issues are police issues, indicating a need for a multifaceted approach to public safety. Data shows that nearly half of jail inmates have a mental illness, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health within law enforcement.

The introduction of social workers has reshaped how the Sylva Police Department functions, providing a proactive rather than reactive approach to community crises. The program has since expanded to seven additional departments in western North Carolina, illustrating growing recognition of the importance of mental health support in policing.

According to Hatton, the social worker role is now essential, enabling officers to focus on enforcement while addressing the root causes of repeated calls. The model has gained attention nationally, driven by a desire for police reform following high-profile incidents such as George Floyd's death.

Cyndy Caravelis and Katy Allen, professors involved in the Community Care program, stress that embedding social workers is not about replacing police but enhancing their capabilities. Social workers provide vital connections to mental health resources, which can prevent future crises.

The report notes that approximately 70% of individuals contacted by social workers agree to receive assistance, showcasing the effectiveness of this approach. The integration of social workers has garnered bipartisan support as it seeks to help vulnerable populations while supporting law enforcement.

As more police departments consider alternative responder programs, the need for community collaboration and resource access becomes increasingly clear. Both Hatton and Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand advocate for this model, recognizing that traditional policing methods were inadequate for complex social issues.

The success stories of individuals receiving timely support from social workers illustrate the transformative potential of this initiative. Overall, the Community Care program represents a significant shift toward compassionate responses to mental health crises within law enforcement, highlighting the necessity of addressing underlying social issues effectively.