POLICE SOCIAL WORKER PROGRAM Health Care and Rehabilitation Services of Southeastern Vermont

Police Social Worker Program Reducing crime by addressing needs “When police make an arrest, it is an indicator of missed opportunities” – Chief Fred Gardy

Goals of the Program: Reduce crime Reduce repeat calls for service Increase police officers efficiency Improve quality of life Identify unmet service needs Increase access to social services Reduce the need for police officers to be social service workers

History Originally started in Bellows Falls in 2002, the PSW program contributed to an overall 30% reduction in crime in that community. Originally started in Bellows Falls in 2002, the PSW program contributed to an overall 30% reduction in crime in that community. The PSW program has been honored by the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, cited as a model program by the Act 80 Law Enforcement Advisory Board, recommended by the statewide Incarcerated Women’s Initiative report, and has received the 2005 Special Recognition award by the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill of Vermont. The PSW program has been honored by the Secretary of the Agency of Human Services, cited as a model program by the Act 80 Law Enforcement Advisory Board, recommended by the statewide Incarcerated Women’s Initiative report, and has received the 2005 Special Recognition award by the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill of Vermont.

Bridge between the law enforcement and mental health communitiesBridge between the law enforcement and mental health communities Support, Resources and ReferralsSupport, Resources and Referrals Pro-Actively address community needs/ consumer unmet needsPro-Actively address community needs/ consumer unmet needs Typical Day- On a day to day basis the PSW supports the police and community by: working side by side with police and community partners, which include housing coalitions, resource center, HCRS Crisis, schools, youth services, food shelves, shelters, addiction programs and others.Typical Day- On a day to day basis the PSW supports the police and community by: working side by side with police and community partners, which include housing coalitions, resource center, HCRS Crisis, schools, youth services, food shelves, shelters, addiction programs and others.