Police Social Work: Social Work Practice in Law Enforcement Agencies

This book provides a model for developing, implementing, and evaluating police social work and social service collaboration within the context of contemporary policing strategies, based on trauma-informed practice, cultural competency, and systems theory. It covers the practice of professional social work within law enforcement agencies, the types of social problems addressed, ethical and practice issues, collaborations with social services agencies, and expanded roles for police social work practice. It also includes case studies and other reference material to prepare students for police social work practice and serve as a resource for police officers, recruits, and students majoring in policing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Grounded in contemporary social work practice approaches such as trauma-informed practice, cultural competency, and systems theory, this comprehensive book offers a valuable model for developing, implementing, and evaluating police social work and social service collaboration within the framework of contemporary policing strategies. The practice of professional social work in law enforcement agencies is gaining significant importance as it contributes to the well-being of community residents and supports law enforcement agencies in achieving their community policing and problem-solving objectives. Spanning across 13 chapters, this book delves into various aspects of police social work, including:

The Practice of Professional Social Work within Law Enforcement Agencies: This chapter explores the role of social workers within law enforcement agencies, highlighting their contributions to addressing social problems and collaborating with law enforcement personnel. It also discusses the types of social issues encountered by police social work collaborations and the ethical considerations that arise when working with law enforcement agencies.

Characteristics of Police Social Work Collaborations: This chapter examines the unique characteristics of police social work collaborations, including the challenges and opportunities they present. It explores the role of social workers in bridging the gap between law enforcement and social services, as well as the importance of cultural competency and trauma-informed practice in these partnerships.

Ethical and Other Practice Issues that Arise when Collaborating with Law Enforcement Agencies: This chapter addresses the ethical and other practice issues that arise when collaborating with law enforcement agencies. It discusses the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, building trust, and addressing power dynamics in these collaborations. Required practice skills to address these issues are also highlighted.

An Examination of Collaborations Formed between Law Enforcement Agencies and Social Services Agencies in Which the Service Providers are Not Professional Social Workers: This chapter explores the complexities of collaborations formed between law enforcement agencies and social services agencies in which the service providers are not professional social workers. It examines the challenges and opportunities that arise in these partnerships and provides a model for developing effective collaborations.

A Model for Developing Police Social Work Collaborations and Investigating Collaboration Effectiveness: This chapter presents a comprehensive model for developing police social work collaborations and investigating their effectiveness. It outlines the steps involved in collaboration planning, implementation, and evaluation, and emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Expanded Roles for Police Social Work Practice: This chapter discusses the expanded roles for police social work practice, including consultation, officer selection, training recruits and police officers, and assisting their families. It highlights the importance of police social work in promoting officer well-being, reducing officer misconduct, and building community trust.

Police Social Work provides a wealth of case studies and other reference material to prepare students for police social work practice, as well as serving as a valuable resource for police officers, recruits, and students majoring in policing. By integrating contemporary social work practice approaches with the unique context of law enforcement, this book offers a comprehensive and practical guide for building effective collaborations and advancing social justice within the field of policing.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367676575