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

Abstract

Social work is a profession that engages in interprofessional work with a growing interest in the field of policing. This qualitative report is a secondary analysis offering insights and practical considerations for social work clinicians interested in working with law enforcement as an integrated or embedded clinician. Guided by a social constructivist and self-efficacy theoretical lens, the study analyzed 35 in-depth interviews with participants across 13 states. The analysis identified three key themes: experience matters, multifaceted challenges and complex work environments, and personal preparation. These findings provide valuable information for clinicians considering this field, highlighting the importance of prior experience, the challenging nature of the work, and the need for thorough preparation that may not be offered or standard within the work environment. The study underscores the significance of these factors in ensuring social workers' preparation and effective collaboration with law enforcement, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes in community policing efforts and responsive approaches to addressing community crisis needs.

Keywords: clinicians; law enforcement; police; police social work; qualitative analysis.