Social workers belong in police departments, schools
For years, I’ve worked tirelessly on a vision now coming to fruition: integrating social workers into our police stations in Washington County. This is more than a policy shift; it’s a personal mission driven by my commitment to bettering our community.
The initiative began during my time with State Rep. Natalie Mihalek, as we explored embedding social workers in law enforcement to address challenges like opioid addiction and mental health crises with a compassionate approach.
The approval of $85,000 to fund two police social workers in Peters Township and countywide is a major achievement. These social workers will provide essential counseling and crisis intervention, addressing issues such as substance abuse and mental health struggles. Funded partly by the county’s opioid settlement funds, this initiative avoids using county tax dollars.
A key moment in this journey was the support from the Hampton Township Police Department in Allegheny County. Thomas Vulakovich, Hampton Township’s police chief, and Angela Kenbok, Hampton’s coordinator of social services, shared their successful model and provided a comprehensive overview booklet that guided our efforts.
Dr. John Tamiggi, our director of human services, was also crucial. He listened to my proposal and engaged with Hampton Township to understand their model, endorsing the concept for Washington County.
This collaborative effort, supported by the Washington County Human Services Department and the Hampton Township Police Department, was vital in making this vision a reality. Earlier this year, Peters Township police chief Joseph Glover and I championed the inclusion of social workers in our departments and schools, recognizing the importance of bridging law enforcement and community support services for effective public safety.
I’m deeply grateful to my fellow commissioners for their support, aligning with our shared commitment to community welfare. I also extend thanks to Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh and all the organizations whose efforts have reduced overdose deaths significantly.
This new chapter with police social workers is a significant step in our fight against the opioid crisis and a testament to our dedication to improving lives and fostering a supportive community. I’m immensely proud to see this dream become a reality.
Electra Janis
Peters
Electra Janis is a Washington County commissioner.