Bethlehem, PA connects police officers with social workers during non-emergency response pilot

Bethlehem, PA Police Officers Social Workers Response Pilot

Complete

Thirty-five city police officers were trained to identify situations better resolved by social workers. Participating officers filled out health bureau referral forms after applicable call responses. Referrals led to action plans for residents facing issues like home care gaps, medication noncompliance, and unsafe living conditions. Social workers updated police officers following one-month and three-month check-ins to strengthen relationships with the community.

Public Safety Health & Human Services Emergency Services Pilot / POC Community Services

Bethlehem, PA

Municipality in Pennsylvania

United States

Newsworthy

Large Chevron

One platoon of the Bethlehem Police Department's spent the last nine months calling a social worker to intervene in certain police calls.

Project Succeeded

The program served 75 clients from November 2020 to July 2021. The Bethlehem City Council approved an expansion of the pilot to all police units.

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