50 signatures reached
To: Congress, governor, city counsel members, police departments
Implementation of Social Workers into the Police Force
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd pleaded for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. "I can't breath..." he strained. He was arrested due to passing a counterfeit 20$ at a grocery store. Was he violent during his arrest? No. Did police need to intervene in the way that they did? No. If a social worker had aided in the intervention, to assist in identifying community needs for that individual (food banks, employment assistance, referrals to the community mental health center), could he have been saved? Yes.
Police officers are, without a doubt, just not trained to handle many of the calls that are placed to them. Issues such as drug use, homelessness, domestic violence, child abuse, mental health needs cannot be addressed appropriately from those who do not have the education and knowledge to de-escalate crises.
In 2019, over 1,000 individuals who shot to death by U.S. police. Thus far, in 2020, as of June 5th, 429 individuals have been shot to death by U.S. police. Per reports, conducted by Statista, overall deaths rise on a yearly basis.
Multiple cities in the U.S. have proposed such changes in their police departments. In order to make this a nationwide application, "some" changes from "parts" of the nation will not fully benefit the people. The need for advocacy, for communication and re-education between social work and police professions, along with the help with citizens will be vital for creating such change.
Why is this important?
Imagine a scenario in which a domestic dispute occurred between you and a partner. Which professional would you feel more comfortable speaking with? Which professional do you feel would be more capable of providing you resources for next steps? An armed officer? Or a plains clothed, unarmed social worker?
Sign this petition to enact social workers into non violent roles in the community. A calming, unarmed presence, aimed to reduce escalation can decrease brutality between police and citizens, and in addition, can save lives.