Considerations for Social Work Clinicians Interested in Policing: A Qualitative Report.

This article focuses on the experiences, challenges, and preparation considerations for social work clinicians working alongside law enforcement agencies in the United States. Through a qualitative secondary analysis of 34 interviews with social workers embedded or integrated within police departments, the study identifies three key themes: the importance of prior experience, the multifaceted and complex nature of the work environment, and the necessity of personal and professional preparation. Findings highlight that social workers often enter policing roles without specialized training, face unpredictable crisis situations, and must develop skills such as trauma-informed care, de-escalation, and crisis intervention to effectively collaborate with law enforcement. The study underscores the need for enhanced education, ongoing training, and research to support social workers in these roles and improve community outcomes through integrated police-social work partnerships.