This article discusses one aspect of a University of Arkansas, School of Social Work program that evaluates a focus on Fayetteville, AR, Police Department employees' perspectives on integrating social workers into their department, and how those perspectives have changed over time with the program's expansion; findings included indications of positive shifts in optimism but revealed no significant change in pessimism toward possible changes in police authority and autonomy; project methodology, findings, and implications are discussed.
The Fayetteville, AR, Police Department (FPD) initiated a co-response program in 2021, partnering with social workers to respond to individuals in crisis. Originally started with a University of Arkansas School of Social Work (UA) internship, the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT) has grown over time. The program now includes two full-time co-response teams, two social work interns, and plans for further expansion. UA provides support for the program through continued internships, clinical supervision, and program evaluation. This article reports on one aspect of the UA program evaluation focusing on FPD employees’ perspectives on integrating social workers into their department and how those perspectives have changed over time as the program has expanded. Through semi-structured interviews and survey data collected in 2021 and 2023, this research highlights key factors contributing to the program’s successes and continued challenges. The results provide valuable insights, suggestions, and other factors to consider for similar police departments when making decisions whether to establish or expand co-response initiatives. (Published Abstract Provided)