The Social Work and Law Enforcement (SWLE) Center originated from the SWLE Project, a pilot internship research program, developed in response to CT鈥檚 2020 Police Accountability law. The innovative bipartisan Center provides variety of services aimed at advancing and sustaining the field of police social work while serving communities in Connecticut and nationwide through practice, education, training, research, and policy advocacy. The center builds upon the work of the SWLE Project and emphasizes interdisciplinary inclusive excellence by partnering with different academic departments and centers within 91果冻传媒, as well as with other universities, colleges, social work and law enforcement agencies, and various organizations in the state of Connecticut and nationwide.
Mission
The SWLE Center for Police Social Work is dedicated to advancing the ethical and effective integration of social work services into law enforcement agencies by preparing social workers, social work students, and law enforcement professionals to collaborate within the developing field of Police Social Work.
Core Values
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Bridging Communities
- Social Justice
- Dignity & Respect
- Self-Awareness & Reflection
Educate and train the social work and law enforcement workforce to collaborate by using
a model that integrates police and social work.
Evolving Objective(s):
- Provide opportunities for cutting-edge training and education on standards and best practices for police social workers, social work professionals, social work students, mental health providers, and law enforcement professionals and law enforcement agencies to meet continued workforce development needs using the SWLE Project Integrative Practice Model on Police Social Work in the State of Connecticut and nationally.
- Provide technical assistance and support to police departments with social work partnerships, advising on the implementation of integrative and collaborative police social work models.
- Provide police departments and schools of social work with technical assistance and support to prepare police social workers in Connecticut through the police social work fellowship practicum program.
Increase community wellness through practice, training, research, education, and policy advocacy concerning the integration of police and social work.
Evolving Objectives(s)
- Conduct research and policy analysis to assess the effectiveness of police social work models and the impact of police social work on communities, and develop strategies to increase effective and efficient social work and law enforcement services.
- Disseminate research findings through literature, conferences, and community programming.
- Inform social workers, law enforcement officers, legislators, and other stakeholders regarding policy decision-making, training, and evidence-based best practices that reduce recidivism.
Strengthen the engagement among social workers, law enforcement officers, and
community members.
Evolving Objectives:
- Establishing and fostering partnerships across the micro, mezzo, and macro level
- Implementing opportunities for joint training, education, and community activities
- Provide engagement and collaboration opportunities for community members, law enforcement, and police social workers
Promote dialogue concerning diversity, disparities, and systemic racism in criminal and juvenile justice settings.
Evolving Objectives:
- Offer opportunities for discussion surrounding difficult issues of identity and belief, to foster trust between institutions and individuals, and to reduce recidivism.
- Offer a safe space for dialogue, learning, and self-awareness and reflection that is welcoming of different perspectives and voices, cutting across socio/political/cultural/and economic backgrounds.
- Use a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens to practice accountability and transparency in efforts to build trust and bridge communities.