In the face of limited budgets and increasing demands on public safety, cities across America are exploring innovative solutions to enhance community welfare. Alexandria, a small city in Campbell County, has made a notable shift in its approach to policing. Instead of hiring another officer to bolster its 17-member police department, the city has opted to employ social workers who work alongside law enforcement. This strategy not only conserves resources but also aims to provide immediate assistance to those in crisis.
The Role of Social Workers in Policing
Alexandria’s police department has integrated two full-time social workers into its team, transforming how they respond to emergencies. The initiative has reportedly resulted in a significant reduction in repeat 911 calls, with around 15 percent fewer individuals being jailed. The main goal of this initiative is to leverage the expertise of social workers to connect people in distress with the services they need right away, rather than waiting for a referral post-crisis.
A Unique Perspective
Kelly Pompilio, one of the pioneering social workers in this dual-response model, describes her role as a “second responder.” She typically waits for the officer to assess the situation before entering the scene. Her focus is on assisting families in crisis, which can alleviate the need for them to call 911 in the first place. “I try to assist the family in whatever services they need,” Pompilio explains. “We want to prevent them from needing law enforcement during difficult times.”
Daily Challenges and Focus Areas
Every day presents new challenges for Pompilio and her colleagues. They never know what types of calls will come in, but common issues often include domestic violence, mental health crises, and substance abuse. Pompilio has noted a marked decrease in repeat emergency calls over her four years on the job, demonstrating the effectiveness of the social worker model in addressing community needs.
Immediate Benefits for the Community
Former Alexandria Police Chief Mike Ward, who has since retired, attests to the immediate benefits of this approach, not just for individuals in need, but also for taxpayers. He estimates that hiring a social worker instead of an additional police officer saves the city between $45,000 to $50,000 annually. Ward emphasizes that social workers have begun solving problems that the department had previously struggled to address, proving their value within the community.
Replicating Success in Larger Cities
The success of Alexandria’s model raises questions about its potential application in larger cities. For example, Louisville, Kentucky, could significantly benefit from employing social workers to assist officers dealing with calls related to mental health, domestic issues, and homelessness. Pompilio notes that Louisville has numerous resources available, and the key lies in connecting families with these services.
The Future of Policing in Alexandria
As Alexandria continues to prioritize this innovative model, the city remains committed to employing social workers to address community needs. The addition of social workers to the police department is not just a short-term experiment but part of a broader strategy to improve public safety and quality of life.
Consideration from Other Departments
While the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) is not currently studying Alexandria’s approach, spokesperson Jesse Halladay mentioned that they remain open to learning about effective practices that enhance community safety. The potential for such collaboration could lead to a more integrated approach to public safety that combines law enforcement with social support.
Conclusion: A Model for the Future
Alexandria’s initiative to hire social workers alongside police officers presents a promising model for addressing community crises. By focusing on prevention and immediate intervention, this innovative approach not only eases the burden on law enforcement but also provides essential support to individuals in distress. As cities grapple with the complexities of modern policing, Alexandria’s success could serve as an inspiring example for others looking to create safer and healthier communities for all.
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