NCJ Number
104147
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A police social worker training program, implemented in Hannover, West Germany, is designed to help police better perform social service duties arising in their work and to fill the gap between police services and social services.
Abstract
The program is based on the premise that police lack both the necessary training and the time to perform social work functions that will have lasting effects. Under the program, a trained social worker is available at each police station on an almost around-the-clock basis. The social worker and police work together on a case, but under a policy of mutual noninterference. The social worker obtains preliminary information from police who feel that such services may be indicated. The social worker focuses on the actual underlying problem, is solely responsible for treatment decisionmaking, and has no investigatory responsibilities. Officers' evaluation of the program have been largely positive, and good working relations exist between officers and the social worker. In addition, the program has had positive effects preventing or interrupting further criminal development in cases at the threshold (e.g., family quarrels) or in early stages (e.g., shoplifting). The program has also proven beneficial in improving the psychosocial assistance provided to victims while avoiding role conflicts for police. 3 tables, 4 figures, and 17 references.