Considerations for Embedded Social Workers in Police Departments

Makeba Royall LCSW, Senior Practice Associate, Behavioral Health

October 2024

The Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) invited The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to review their Best Practices for Embedding a Social Worker in Your Police Department guide. Given the increasing interest in the integration of social workers into law enforcement, embedded social workers who are currently working in police departments or who aspire to work in the police department can use this document as a reference. PAARI provides training, support and resources to law enforcement departments who are interested in developing deflection and diversion programs. PAARI is a national network of more than seven hundred police departments across forty-six states and some of their resources include but are not limited to technical assistance, webinars, specialized training, and AmeriCorps recovery coaches. Please check our website frequently for any updates and information regarding the behavioral health social work practice area.