Social Workers to Replace Police

[retiredguy123]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

[nututv]

haha. I see a dead social worker in the headlines soon.

[Stu from NYC]

haha. I see a dead social worker in the headlines soon.

And excuses for criminals due to their terrible child raising.

[Fredman]

Most dangerous call a police officer handles. Good luck social workers

[nututv]

And excuses for criminals due to their terrible child raising.

My wife is in elementary ed and I taught scouts for 12 years. You are spot on with that one.

[davem4616]

this is one of the silliest ideas....no wait, one of the dumbest ideas that I've ever heard of

I've come across quite a few social workers in my time....all very nice caring people, but not one of them would be prepared for something like this

Albuquerque's Annual Hot Air Balloon launch had been on my bucket list....no longer

[kcrazorbackfan]

These idiotic mayors, town managers, city council members - anyone making this stupid decision, are setting these people up to get taken hostage, injured or killed.

No common sense is the rule for this knee jerk reaction for the idiots wanting to canonize George Floyd.

[Two Bills]

Latest self defence course.
"How to subdue an out of control homeless meth addict, with a clipboard and a pencil"

[nututv]

Latest self defence course.
"How to subdue an out of control homeless meth addict, with a clipboard and a pencil"
You mean the pen isn't mightier than the sword. jk

[Bucco]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

Another HALF TRUTH posted simply to stir the pot.....

"Albuquerque, N.M., has unveiled plans to use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls rather than police, as proposals to reform law enforcement and end police brutality draw national attention in the wake of the death of George Floyd."



"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "

Albuquerque will use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police | TheHill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/502856-albuquerque-will-use-social-workers-to-respond-to-certain-911-calls)

They appear to be attempting to address the problem instead of simply making it worse. Will it work....who knows

[Two Bills]

"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "


That's about 75% of all police calls!

[Bucco]

"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "


That's about 75% of all police calls!

Your better plan is......the shooting in Atlanta was just like The Villages until the handcuffs came into play. Perhaps time to try new things

[Funkman]

What could possibly go wrong :shrug:

[nututv]

[QUOTE=Bucco;1785444]"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety... will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "
Not a half truth, just whole stupid! Ask anyone with half a brain who has encountered the above. An intoxicated or methed out mental case being responded to by a wanna be shrink. haha What could possibly go wrong?
Care to volunteer? I'm confident they'll be looking for replacements soon.

[retiredguy123]

Another HALF TRUTH posted simply to stir the pot.....

"Albuquerque, N.M., has unveiled plans to use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls rather than police, as proposals to reform law enforcement and end police brutality draw national attention in the wake of the death of George Floyd."



"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "

Albuquerque will use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police | TheHill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/502856-albuquerque-will-use-social-workers-to-respond-to-certain-911-calls)

They appear to be attempting to address the problem instead of simply making it worse. Will it work....who knows
I don't see where the "half truth" is. I said "certain 911 calls" in the OP.

[Bucco]

I don't see where the "half truth" is. I said "certain 911 calls" in the OP.

Sorry, I must have misread the thread title...

"Social Workers to Replace Police"

But again, other than criticizing, any great suggestions as this city at least will try and discuss how to make it work better for everybody

[nututv]

as this city at least will try and discuss how to make it work better for everybody
Yeah, except for the 'social workers'. If this goes into action, let's all revisit this thread a few weeks later and see what a disaster it turned into.

[billethkid]

Social what ever.....Naivety laced with a fair amount of stupidity.

[ColdNoMore]

Another HALF TRUTH posted simply to stir the pot.....

"Albuquerque, N.M., has unveiled plans to use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls rather than police, as proposals to reform law enforcement and end police brutality draw national attention in the wake of the death of George Floyd."

"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "

Albuquerque will use social workers to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police | TheHill (https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/502856-albuquerque-will-use-social-workers-to-respond-to-certain-911-calls)

They appear to be attempting to address the problem instead of simply making it worse. Will it work....who knows

Thanks for at least trying...to tell the whole truth. :thumbup:

Not that it will matter with some folks. :oops:

[nututv]

Not that it will matter with some folks. :oops:

Lets revisit this after it's been in place for a while. My guess is that it will be a disaster quite possibly involving a few deaths.
What do you think will happen? I put my cards down, let's see yours.

[retiredguy123]

Sorry, I must have misread the thread title...

"Social Workers to Replace Police"

But again, other than criticizing, any great suggestions as this city at least will try and discuss how to make it work better for everybody
Thanks for the clarification. I know we don't agree, but I don't think I presented a half truth. The Washington Post headline was:

"Amid calls to defund police, Albuquerque creates an alternative department"

Is that closer to the whole truth?

[anothersteve]

Violent Crime and Social Worker Safety (https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_032511.shtml)

20. Social workers - The 20 deadliest jobs in America, ranked - Pictures - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-20-deadliest-jobs-in-america-ranked/2/)

Violence and death threats against social workers just "part of the job" as 70% of incidences go uninvestigated (https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2014/09/16/violence-social-workers-just-part-job-70-incidents-investigated/)

"Social work is one of riskiest, low paying job that gets little to no recognition. Often times alone, Social workers go into the homes of people who may be psychiatrically unstable, members of gangs, sex offenders, or even people who have previously been convicted of murder. Most social workers believe (rightfully so) that most of their clients are inherently good and have made or are trying to make positive changes in their lives. However, there is still risk to visiting these homes, as well as meeting in small, private offices alone with them."
SWHELPER - Social Welfare, Social Justice, and Social Good | (https://socialworkhelper.com/2015/09/09/cost-social-worker/)

Steve

[retiredguy123]

The fact is that 83 percent of social workers are women and the peak calling time for 911 calls is midnight. That seems like a significant safety problem to me.

[Bucco]

Thanks for the clarification. I know we don't agree, but I don't think I presented a half truth. The Washington Post headline was:

"Amid calls to defund police, Albuquerque creates an alternative department"

Is that closer to the whole truth?

Yes, it is. I applaud that city for opening dialogue to solve a problem. That is the way to solve problems.

You can do nothing, blame everyone else or open dialogue and create a newer, and hopefully better way to handle the problem.

Nobody is doing the latter, and thus it deserves a better presentation than your headline, which on this forum simply begins another round of judgements, etc.

[JGVillages]

I don't see where the "half truth" is. I said "certain 911 calls" in the OP.

Certain 911 calls? 911 Operator asks; “Do you promise to be non-violent so we can send a social worker instead of the police?” Now the 911 operators will be liable for dispatching the wrong response team when it goes bad.

[Stu from NYC]

Certain 911 calls? 911 Operator asks; “Do you promise to be non-violent so we can send a social worker instead of the police?” Now the 911 operators will be liable for dispatching the wrong response team when it goes bad.

Or when the new empire in Seattle falls apart their ex soldiers can apply to be social workers and respond to 911 calls.

[karostay]

Next we'll have meat cutters replacing surgeons .

[Number 10 GI]

I don't see where the "half truth" is. I said "certain 911 calls" in the OP.

Reading comprehension is not everyone's forte.

[Stu from NYC]

Next we'll have meat cutters replacing surgeons .

Dont laugh but years ago surgeons were barbers.

[Velvet]

Albuquerque....

Because we know that the mentally ill; psychopaths, schizophrenics, psychotic, and people high on meth etc are among the least dangerous offenders.

I’d advise all social workers there to either get full police training as well or get another job.

[Northwoods]

haha. I see a dead social worker in the headlines soon.

It might happen, but you'll never see it in the main stream media. It doesn't fit their narrative...

[nututv]

It might happen, but you'll never see it in the main stream media. It doesn't fit their narrative...
You couldn't be more correct. Sad isn't it.

[Stu from NYC]

You couldn't be more correct. Sad isn't it.

Pathetic actually

[riley2011]

Ridiculous!! But let them find out for themselves.

[Girlcopper]

These idiotic mayors, town managers, city council members - anyone making this stupid decision, are setting these people up to get taken hostage, injured or killed.

No common sense is the rule for this knee jerk reaction for the idiots wanting to canonize George Floyd.
Another idiotic decision to pander to the criminal masses. Cant wait to see the untrained 65 year old female social worker go toe to toe with a muscle bound drunk wife beater. I read these blogs everyday so let me know how that works out for you

[RichS$]

With the exception of trying to pass a counterfeit bill, sounds like they are describing George Floyd. Should they send a cop or social worker? Can’t you picture a social worker trying to apprehend him for “breaking the law!”

[Andyb]

This will end badly

[terenceanne]

Write into the law that the Mayor and members of his family must go on 100 calls per year. Problem resolved - It will last a month tops.

[transplanted]

About 3 years ago, I sold some inherited land there to the National Park Service. A realtor with whom i’d Originally spoken (he was native to the area) told me Albuquerque was headed “in the wrong direction “ that he personally was leaving the area once his mom passed away - too much violence - didn’t want his family there. We’ll see how long this experiment lasts before it quietly expands back to police response. Personally, I think social work programs only work in very limited situations- otherwise it becomes another program to depend on indefinitely. It’s a shame, and many of the SW’ers become disillusioned and burn out quickly.

[72lions]

"The new group, called Albuquerque Community Safety, will respond to 911 calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health. "


That's about 75% of all police calls!

That is exactly the point. We don’t need to be spending these kind of resources on calls that do not require police action. More importantly, the typical police officer is not trained or equipped to deal with issues that are non-violent.

[gemini5001]

I agree with you. Its not going to work.
We need our police force !

[noslices1]

Latest self defence course.
"How to subdue an out of control homeless meth addict, with a clipboard and a pencil"

Maybe if it was a .45 caliber pencil

[Strongel]

In “certain” 911 calls, it is not unusual a social worker or police chaplain ACCOMPANY an officer now. I know one who does...and things can and do unexpectedly get out of hand even with the officer present.

[Strongel]

About 3 years ago, I sold some inherited land there to the National Park Service. A realtor with whom i’d Originally spoken (he was native to the area) told me Albuquerque was headed “in the wrong direction “ that he personally was leaving the area once his mom passed away - too much violence - didn’t want his family there. We’ll see how long this experiment lasts before it quietly expands back to police response. Personally, I think social work programs only work in very limited situations- otherwise it becomes another program to depend on indefinitely. It’s a shame, and many of the SW’ers become disillusioned and burn out quickly.

Social workers tend to have opposite personalities than police. You can talk nice to a Sherman tank but it will still run you over.

[Kgcetm]

I don’t know whether to be happy that college graduates with degrees in socialism finally have a career path or to be happy that those in the workforce will finally get a raise in pay.

[Florida17]

Has anyone asked the social workers about this?

[Bernie1]

Who or What decides the success of this program? Are police sent as back up to protect a social worker? At what point are they allowed to intervene if at all? How many social workers lives have to be lost to consider this experiment a failure ? How many could be taken hostage themselves ? This all sounds like a recipe for disaster.

The real problem is that the people who push these radical ideas have no skin in the game. It’s ok to put another persons life at risk if it gets them re-elected.

It’s easy to talk the talk - try putting your own ass on the line, but that would never happen.

[lwmilo]

Good luck with that. What are you smoking?

[jbrown132]

haha. I see a dead social worker in the headlines soon.

Good luck with that

[jbrown132]

That was meant for the original post. Sorry

[Scorpyo]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?
Actually it’s a brilliant idea. Stupid practice but brilliant idea. “See what we’ve done for the community “. We’ve replaced those horrible cops with social workers. Don’t forget to vote for me “. Next year. “How many situations have the social workers responded to? Uh, none yet. We didn’t get any of those certain 911 calls that would require their appearance “. Typical political BS speak.

[Surf Daddy]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

My sister-in-law is a social worker in Columbus, OH. She said if she is required to make house calls without an armed police officer, she will resign immediately, for her own safety. She said many of her associates would do the same. It seems like the politicians did not consult with the social workers.

[Dilligas]

Yes, it is. I applaud that city for opening dialogue to solve a problem. That is the way to solve problems.

You can do nothing, blame everyone else or open dialogue and create a newer, and hopefully better way to handle the problem.

Nobody is doing the latter, and thus it deserves a better presentation than your headline, which on this forum simply begins another round of judgements, etc.
The ‘problem’ is racism and injustice among police’, not police departments in whole, but a small % of police who are racist or overly brutal or both. To solve a problem one must understand the problem. The small % of police officers in many cases are repeaters over their careers who have been reprimanded but not relieved of duty because of unions or other cops. Make the brutal and racist offenses fireable, even if a firearm was not used. In other words, clean up the bad cops.

[Saluce]

As a former 911 Dispatcher (16yrs), I see this as a disaster!! Most social workers will call for police assistance to stand by when going into areas mentioned so how is this going to work?Many calls If this sort can go downhill very quickly. Most Social Workers are female & most likely are not trained to defend themselves when a situation does go downhill and talking nicely will not protect them!! How are these particular called going to be received? Through 911 or are these workers going to be called through another number?
If 911, then will it be up to the discretion of the 911 dispatcher to decide who to send. Or will police be dispatched along with the social workers???? Hummmmm...... it will be like sending a soldier to the front lines with nothing to protect themselves with.
Interesting to see how this plays out. Personally, I see a disastrous situation & ending.

[Bay Kid]

But what will happen on weekends, nights and man made holidays?

[ColdNoMore]

The ‘problem’ is racism and injustice among police’, not police departments in whole, but a small % of police who are racist or overly brutal or both. To solve a problem one must understand the problem. The small % of police officers in many cases are repeaters over their careers who have been reprimanded but not relieved of duty because of unions or other cops. Make the brutal and racist offenses fireable, even if a firearm was not used.

In other words, clean up the bad cops.

:agree:

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to paint with a broad brush (on a LOT of issues, from every side) and the good people...get plastered with the brush meant for just the bad ones.

If institutions/entities made more effort in cleaning up their own houses...there would be a substantial decrease in the problems we're seeing.

[Guitarman1951]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?
I can't believe some place is actually dumb enough to try this ridiculous idea. I bet the criminals there are giddy. They might need to open up some more morgues because these unarmed civilians are going to be dead meat in no time.

[roscoguy]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

A pretty bold experiment, even in 21st century American society. Even if "calls about homelessness, intoxication, drug use, addictions and mental health" aren't the most violent, much risk still exists. I just hope this plays out well for all involved.

[John41]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

instead of replacing police replace the politicians who allowed crime to flourish in the first place

[Number 10 GI]

:agree:

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to paint with a broad brush (on a LOT of issues, from every side) and the good people...get plastered with the brush meant for just the bad ones.

If institutions/entities made more effort in cleaning up their own houses...there would be a substantial decrease in the problems we're seeing.

Wow, didn't think I'd ever agree with you on something but do on this. Don't worry we won't be taking warm shower together in the early morning hours.:)

[Shoresands]

That is exactly the point. We don’t need to be spending these kind of resources on calls that do not require police action. More importantly, the typical police officer is not trained or equipped to deal with issues that are non-violent.
With the exception of homelessness, well over 80% of calls for the rest are because the person has escalated a situation to a level that someone is afraid and scared or concerned enough to call 911 for help. How many abusive out of control drunks, drug abusers have some posters here gone out on the street and had to deal with them.....I thought not!

[NHsnow1]

I have worked with child protective workers. The work they do is heroic in trying to keep families together with education and support. When the need arises to remove children from the home, who do you think completes that task. A social worker with an armed officer!!
There’s a reason for that. This is just another poorly thought out knee jerk reaction that will have dire consequences!!

[17362]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.
I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?


What a joke. Social workers. I have been dealing with them for 45 years.
(mental issues with family members)
The last 5 months- total joke. Most of them are afraid of all of the unknowns. Straight out of college. The job is a high turnover. Sure, you get a few that last, but then they become desensitized to the issues. They say,”I just do my job- my hands are tied, etc.”
That job description is NOT a solution.

[allsport]

Until you try it, do not criticize it. Nurses do it every day without the assistance of the police. What needs to be done is to send these people with specialized easily seen identification, with police waiting outside giving the specialized non violent interventionists the opportunity to stop the crisis. Guns blazing fixes nothing and using people from their own community to be trained in the interventions would stop those concerns. As a student nurse, I was sent into the worst neighborhoods, alone, to do public health nursing. I carried a black bag which was my ticket into the neighborhood and I never had any problems and that was the fire bombing sixties.

[kendi]

Yes, it is. I applaud that city for opening dialogue to solve a problem. That is the way to solve problems.

You can do nothing, blame everyone else or open dialogue and create a newer, and hopefully better way to handle the problem.

Nobody is doing the latter, and thus it deserves a better presentation than your headline, which on this forum simply begins another round of judgements, etc.

Dialogue is good, this decision is not. Seems they forgot the most important stage when trying to brainstorm solutions - evaluate before choosing the solution. Very dangerous if they don't start looking closer at their decisions before implementing them.

[nututv]

How many abusive out of control drunks, drug abusers have some posters here gone out on the street and had to deal with them.....I thought not!
I was in the Carnival business for 17 years. What would you like to be taught about? The employees or the marks?

[bilcon]

Boy, now I've heard it all. One of the worst call any policeman can make is domestic violence. They usually involve drugs or alcohol and usually lead to disaster for someone. Social workers can't even do their own job, now they are going to put more on their plate.

"Any man who thinks he can be happy and prosperous by letting the government take care of him had better take a much closer look at the American Indian." Henry Ford

[Topspinmo]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

LOL, yep that’s going To work in Albuquerque NM with all the gangster’s

[Topspinmo]

this is one of the silliest ideas....no wait, one of the dumbest ideas that I've ever heard of

I've come across quite a few social workers in my time....all very nice caring people, but not one of them would be prepared for something like this

Albuquerque's Annual Hot Air Balloon launch had been on my bucket list....no longer

Actually the balloon fest outside of Albuquerque on the north west side of town. At least that were it was when I was there several years ago?

[Bucco]

Dialogue is good, this decision is not. Seems they forgot the most important stage when trying to brainstorm solutions - evaluate before choosing the solution. Very dangerous if they don't start looking closer at their decisions before implementing them.

Not sure, but do not believe it was "implemented". It will require discussion and specifics.

[retiredguy123]

Until you try it, do not criticize it. Nurses do it every day without the assistance of the police. What needs to be done is to send these people with specialized easily seen identification, with police waiting outside giving the specialized non violent interventionists the opportunity to stop the crisis. Guns blazing fixes nothing and using people from their own community to be trained in the interventions would stop those concerns. As a student nurse, I was sent into the worst neighborhoods, alone, to do public health nursing. I carried a black bag which was my ticket into the neighborhood and I never had any problems and that was the fire bombing sixties.
You are talking about over 50 years ago. Things are totally different today. For one thing, there are a lot more people with guns. And, there is a lot more disrespect for any type of authority. I know people used drugs in the sixties, but I think the drug problem is even worse today. Apples and oranges.

[Velvet]

Until you try it, do not criticize it. Nurses do it every day without the assistance of the police. What needs to be done is to send these people with specialized easily seen identification, with police waiting outside giving the specialized non violent interventionists the opportunity to stop the crisis. Guns blazing fixes nothing and using people from their own community to be trained in the interventions would stop those concerns. As a student nurse, I was sent into the worst neighborhoods, alone, to do public health nursing. I carried a black bag which was my ticket into the neighborhood and I never had any problems and that was the fire bombing sixties.

Happy to hear you survived. May it last.

[Velvet]

I was thinking “certain calls” could be so specific that they never actually get the “right type” of call.

[bilcon]

And when the specially trained Social Worker gets her or his a-- wipped, we can send in a police officer to solve the problem and then we can blame the police for the disaster. Good Idea.

[OhioBuckeye]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?
Seriously social workers, how are they going to get these slow people to talk to them. First of all they probably won’t understand what they’re trying to tell them in 2 mins. because that’s about as long as they’ll probably listen. Thanks for the article retiredguy123 ,I’m just amazed how scared our officials are that they are resorting to this. Personally I think it’s a big waste of time!

[blklabfan]

All, and I mean 100's, of the panic devices I've had installed in Social Workers offices have been tied directly into the 911 system. All of the installations have been requested by the workers/directors. I wonder why they felt they were needed?

[sipops]

A Police Officer, Chaplain and social worker respond to a call. All of a sudden things start going wrong, now the P.O. has to worry about two more people getting hurt or injured. Please stop the nonsense. Better yet defund or do away with the Police for a couple of months and tell me how that goes. Remember we already lost a piece of Seattle and the mayor ang governor think it is just a love fest.

[Stu from NYC]

Well if some one is breaking into your home and the homeowner calls 911, the social worker can ask for the crook to get on the phone and they can discuss their feelings.

That has been proven to work about 0.0001 % of the time.

Perhaps while they are having this discussion the cops could arrive and arrest the felon.

[tenorgirl]

How soon we forget the policewoman in Omaha, NE who was only serving a warrant and was killed. These mayors and city councilman have short memories.

[MandoMan]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

Much of Albuquerque is very attractive and safe. It’s a big city, but pleasant.

You missed the part where they are not only going to replace gun-toting cops with unarmed social workers, but they are going to replace armed criminals and drug addicts and wife beaters and thieves and burglars with polite, law-abiding, peace-loving people who wouldn’t dream of defacing property. (I’m kidding, of course.)

[valuemkt]

It's become even more clear the last couple of months.. The word "progressive" really means "regressive", that which leads to anarchy. Elimination of property rights, the return of trophies for 8th place finishes, and elimination of promotion for "best qualified candidate". Be careful what you wish for .. Four years is a very long time .. Especially for us seniors.

[Fred2016]

Apparently this man has no idea what he is doing. Send in some unarmed social workers and watch what happens. More deaths and law suits.

[J1ceasar]

That the mayor go on these calls for the first two weeks alone .

[Florida Fan]

Your better plan is......the shooting in Atlanta was just like The Villages until the handcuffs came into play. Perhaps time to try new things

Like cooperate with the police? That's a novel idea.

[Number 10 GI]

How soon we forget the policewoman in Omaha, NE who was only serving a warrant and was killed. These mayors and city councilman have short memories.

To have a memory requires a brain and politicians deactivate theirs when they take office.

[Number 10 GI]

That the mayor go on these calls for the first two weeks alone .

That would require courage and resolve, something quite lacking in politicians.

[Curtisbwp]

That sounds like a GREAT plan. Think about it, racial relations may improve greatly these pretty little women (not all) with their pocket book degrees will likely get raped. GOD SAVE AMERICA.


Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?

[Stu from NYC]

Like cooperate with the police? That's a novel idea.

Do not understand people fighting someone who has a gun and presumably knows how to use it.

[Rodneysblue]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?
Sounds like the first part of the movie Demolition Man. May you have good good feelings.

[jimjamuser]

These idiotic mayors, town managers, city council members - anyone making this stupid decision, are setting these people up to get taken hostage, injured or killed.

No common sense is the rule for this knee jerk reaction for the idiots wanting to canonize George Floyd.
Your quote---nice philosophy.

[terenceanne]

Call 911 I have an armed burglar in the house. Please send a recent grad social worker ASAP.
No worries.

[jimjamuser]

Violent Crime and Social Worker Safety (https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/exc_032511.shtml)

20. Social workers - The 20 deadliest jobs in America, ranked - Pictures - CBS News (https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-20-deadliest-jobs-in-america-ranked/2/)

Violence and death threats against social workers just "part of the job" as 70% of incidences go uninvestigated (https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2014/09/16/violence-social-workers-just-part-job-70-incidents-investigated/)

"Social work is one of riskiest, low paying job that gets little to no recognition. Often times alone, Social workers go into the homes of people who may be psychiatrically unstable, members of gangs, sex offenders, or even people who have previously been convicted of murder. Most social workers believe (rightfully so) that most of their clients are inherently good and have made or are trying to make positive changes in their lives. However, there is still risk to visiting these homes, as well as meeting in small, private offices alone with them."
SWHELPER - Social Welfare, Social Justice, and Social Good | (https://socialworkhelper.com/2015/09/09/cost-social-worker/)

Steve
I am sure that IS true. In a few years, technology will have an answer. There will be robotic police/social workers/1st responders-controlled by a stable, highly paid social and response person. This will be sooner than most people imagine. Will save lots of money from patrol cars idling and causing CO2 emission. Will be safer and fewer wrongful death lawsuits. Many other advantages A "just-in-case " swat squad may be required if the machine gets hacked or put out of commission. The disadvantage will be that the laid-off Police numbers will add to the unemployment (30-40%) resulting from ALL AI and Robotic replacement. That much unemployment will have other social problems like psychological and adaptive stress. Hopefully, that will smooth out. Few TV'ers will want to read this next stmt. But, Andrew Yang, a Presidential candidate that was ignored, predicted the large unemployment-not myself! Enjoy knocking THAT post.

[jimjamuser]

A Police Officer, Chaplain and social worker respond to a call. All of a sudden things start going wrong, now the P.O. has to worry about two more people getting hurt or injured. Please stop the nonsense. Better yet defund or do away with the Police for a couple of months and tell me how that goes. Remember we already lost a piece of Seattle and the mayor ang governor think it is just a love fest.
I am not buying that one. Has that combo been tried and what are the stats.

[jimjamuser]

Well if some one is breaking into your home and the homeowner calls 911, the social worker can ask for the crook to get on the phone and they can discuss their feelings.

That has been proven to work about 0.0001 % of the time.

Perhaps while they are having this discussion the cops could arrive and arrest the felon.
I got a good laugh about that one!

[Stu from NYC]

Call 911 I have an armed burglar in the house. Please send a recent grad social worker ASAP.
No worries.

What could possibly go wrong?

[jimlambert]

Mayor Tim Keller announced on Monday that Albuquerque is creating a "first-of-its-kind" civilian public safety department that would use unarmed social workers, housing and homelessness specialists, and violence prevention coordinators to respond to certain 911 calls instead of police.

I think that some social workers will refuse to go into certain neighborhoods even if they were armed. And, how many female social workers are going to respond to a 911 call at night in a strange neighborhood. Who thinks this is a good idea?. Criminals will love this idea!

[Steve9930]

This is one of the most ludicrous ideas I've ever heard of in my lifetime. There will be Social Workers who will be assaulted, raped, and killed. The only way to do this is to send them with a Police escort. You are going to have a bunch of people quit if you force them into this situation.

[rlcooper70]

My sense is that this mayor is trying to do something significant ... and if "some" calls can be handled better by trained therapists than policemen ... why would you object?

[nututv]

My sense is that this mayor is trying to do something significant ... and if "some" calls can be handled better by trained therapists than policemen ... why would you object?
Yeah, I guess the loss of 'some' therapists in this social experiment wouldn't be the end of the world.
Why not send therapists by the hundreds into the next looting scene. (put up the gun free zone signs first though just to ensure everyone's safety.) Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. lol

[bpascani]

I can see a social worker type person (in one or more of those fields) accompanying 2 police officers, but certainly not going alone, AND, only after a WHOLE LOT of extra training for them, and the police officers

[Stu from NYC]

My sense is that this mayor is trying to do something significant ... and if "some" calls can be handled better by trained therapists than policemen ... why would you object?

Some of the most dangerous calls for police officers are domestic disturbances. Do not think social workers will survive some of those calls.

[nevjudbaker]

That just shows you just how ignorant these people are in these government positions. Talk to any police officer & they will tell you the most dangerous part of the job is a 911 call for domestic abuse. Yet they are going to send an unarmed social worker to talk to them.

In Florida we have had so many young children over looked that needed help in abusive homes. Social workers say they are so over worked that things get missed. Yet we are going to add work the police do to their work.

Now training young police officers to be trained in social work as well to go to those calls but they definitely need a stun gun & gun.
Start a new division in the police force staffed police social workers. They of course would need higher salaries.
Put a facility in neighborhoods that houses police, police social workers & fire station. More in areas that are higher in crime. Everyone will get to know each other. Social workers could plan programs for the kids. The kids would grow to trust them. They would feel safe going there if they needed help.

[skyking]

Would anyone with a child trained as a social worker (MSW) advise them to apply for such a position?

[kenoc7]

You mean the pen isn't mightier than the sword. jk
The misunderstandings and implicit white privilege in most posts in this thread is epic - and sad. Wake up people - it is 2020, not 1820.

[Velvet]

Can someone give a scenario (911 call) where it would be appropriate and safe for an unarmed social worker to go to alone? I am having a hard time thinking of one.

[retiredguy123]

Can someone give a scenario (911 call) where it would be appropriate and safe for an unarmed social worker to go to alone? I am having a hard time thinking of one.
There is none, because no matter what the caller says, you can't believe what they say.

[Stu from NYC]

Would anyone with a child trained as a social worker (MSW) advise them to apply for such a position?

You nailed it

[Bay Kid]

Will social workers get a gun and taser?

[Strongel]

I can see a social worker type person (in one or more of those fields) accompanying 2 police officers, but certainly not going alone, AND, only after a WHOLE LOT of extra training for them, and the police officers

A close friend and social worker often goes with police when a child is involved and may need to be taken from the home. It is rough, there are threats, sometimes violence. If it is an older child and he jumps out at a traffic light, the attitude is to let them go or the social worker may get hurt. He then reports the incident. For one trained as a caregiver to go alone is ridiculous.

[PugMom]

There is none, because no matter what the caller says, you can't believe what they say.

idk, maybe a hostage or suicide standoff? it's hard to tell without knowing exact situations. what do you guys think of social workers riding along with the cops? good or bad idea?

[Strongel]

idk, maybe a hostage or suicide standoff? it's hard to tell without knowing exact situations. what do you guys think of social workers riding along with the cops? good or bad idea?

A special breed of police chaplains do this but they are few.
Police tend to be as aggressive as the bad guys. There is a good reason for this. A chaplain (hopefully with a very noticeable white collar), may try to calm a difficult situation. In an age where religion is often spat upon by a new generation, even this may be less helpful.

Chaplains and social workers work for a pittance yet their work is so admirable....to those who understand. We need both police and these people to help live in a sane world IMHO.

[Steve9930]

Just a plain old stupid idea.

[Tennisbum]

Terrible idea! I was an trained EMT for our fire department for a number of years. We would respond to 911 calls that were not "police" related. More then one crackhead or methhead call out was only solved by the fact that my partnerr and I were both 6' 195lbs and in good shape. Some poor little 120 lb social worker will end up dead with this idea. Unless you have responded to those call you have no idea what it's like out there

[Stu from NYC]

Terrible idea! I was an trained EMT for our fire department for a number of years. We would respond to 911 calls that were not "police" related. More then one crackhead or methhead call out was only solved by the fact that my partnerr and I were both 6' 195lbs and in good shape. Some poor little 120 lb social worker will end up dead with this idea. Unless you have responded to those call you have no idea what it's like out there

Why would you think a politician would not know better than the rest of us or people with first hand experience. Sad isnt it.

[Steve9930]

Nothing but politicians pandering to the mob.

[Bucco]

To those who mock and malign this idea, it is not as new as you think and should be allowed to be tried.


"Two studies suggest that one in four people shot dead by the police have psychiatric conditions"

Riding shotgun - Why American departments are sending social workers to answer 911 calls | United States | The Economist (https://www.economist.com/united-states/2019/05/11/why-american-departments-are-sending-social-workers-to-answer-911-calls)

"These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns
And it worked pretty well."

These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns - VICE (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zpqm/these-cities-replaced-cops-with-social-workers-medics-and-people-without-guns)

[Bucco]

Nothing but politicians pandering to the mob.

I see anyone who will try something new to replace something that has shown not to work to be professionals responding to problems

[John41]

To those who mock and malign this idea, it is not as new as you think and should be allowed to be tried.


"Two studies suggest that one in four people shot dead by the police have psychiatric conditions"

Riding shotgun - Why American departments are sending social workers to answer 911 calls | United States | The Economist (https://www.economist.com/united-states/2019/05/11/why-american-departments-are-sending-social-workers-to-answer-911-calls)

"These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns
And it worked pretty well."

These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns - VICE (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zpqm/these-cities-replaced-cops-with-social-workers-medics-and-people-without-guns)
very interesting and worth a try but if drug use and sex work are classified as crimes the police will still have to be involved to make an arrest. I support reclassifying drug use and sex work as non crimes in a lesser category so social workers can be used. I have read of drug users serving prison terms up to 10 years which is too harsh.

[kathy1516]

No social worker in their right mind would answer a 911 call in a sketchy neighborhood without an armed police officer. I’m speaking from experience.

[Steve9930]

I see anyone who will try something new to replace something that has shown not to work to be professionals responding to problems

The out come to this policy will be dead social workers. Policies put in place by people who never did the job.

[nututv]

Hey now there's an idea. Send out sex workers instead of social workers, should tame things down for a few hours anyway.

[ColdNoMore]

To those who mock and malign this idea, it is not as new as you think and should be allowed to be tried.


"Two studies suggest that one in four people shot dead by the police have psychiatric conditions"

Riding shotgun - Why American departments are sending social workers to answer 911 calls | United States | The Economist (https://www.economist.com/united-states/2019/05/11/why-american-departments-are-sending-social-workers-to-answer-911-calls)

"These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns
And it worked pretty well."

These Cities Replaced Cops With Social Workers, Medics, and People Without Guns - VICE (https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/y3zpqm/these-cities-replaced-cops-with-social-workers-medics-and-people-without-guns)


In your last link...this says it all. :thumbup:

“The difficulty in policing is that we use a one-size-fits-all model,” says Barry Friedman, who runs New York University’s Policing Project. “Police just aren’t trained to do a lot of the things they end up doing.

They are trained for force and law. So you get force-and-law results.”

Which fits perfectly with a saying I believe explains a lot...but that I'm not sure I've ever shared previously. :D


"When you're a hammer...everything looks like a nail."

.

[Stu from NYC]

Hey now there's an idea. Send out sex workers instead of social workers, should tame things down for a few hours anyway.

Well if the wife swings that way

[nututv]

Well if the wife swings that way

haha

[Northwoods]

Until you try it, do not criticize it. Nurses do it every day without the assistance of the police. What needs to be done is to send these people with specialized easily seen identification, with police waiting outside giving the specialized non violent interventionists the opportunity to stop the crisis. Guns blazing fixes nothing and using people from their own community to be trained in the interventions would stop those concerns. As a student nurse, I was sent into the worst neighborhoods, alone, to do public health nursing. I carried a black bag which was my ticket into the neighborhood and I never had any problems and that was the fire bombing sixties.

No... when you "defund" the police there isn't a police officer "waiting outside" for you. The money that paid for that police officer is now funding you... alone... to go in and diffuse the situation. And the social worker isn't going in to do public health (like you did many years ago), they are going in to deal with a domestic dispute. It's not really the same...

[Northwoods]

idk, maybe a hostage or suicide standoff? it's hard to tell without knowing exact situations. what do you guys think of social workers riding along with the cops? good or bad idea?

If you defunded the police... there isn't any money to have a social worker IN ADDITION to a police officer. Now... the social worker is funded from the money that used to pay for that police officer. The social worker goes in alone.

[Bay Kid]

Will they have handcuffs?

[beccaboo**]

My career as a master-degreed social worker has spanned 46 years. During this time I have had a broad scope of responsibilities from direct service, to administration to a private practice. I have worked in medical hospitals, the VA, mental health facilities and education. Even with the depth of my experience, I can tell you I would feel unprepared to handle the 911 calls. What compounds the response by social workers is that many in those roles will be newer to the profession and be even more unprepared to respond.
As an option, they could have social workers in tandem with the police officers.