Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-Mccormick Delivers Funds for The First City In Broward County To Hire A Police Social Worker To Aid In Community Policing
Miramar, FL - Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick joined the City of Miramar and the Police Department to announce the first police social worker to aid in community policing in Broward County.
"This is a monumental step in the right direction," said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. "Community project funding was again included in the Federal 2023 budget, allowing Members of Congress to respond directly to our districts' most pressing issues. I proudly requested this funding for the City of Miramar - Public Safety and Mental Health Program to ensure trained crisis mental professionals collaborate with law enforcement to reduce tragic encounters."
Police response to residents with mental health and substance abuse issues has received national attention in recent years. These outcomes can be dramatically impacted when a mental health professional evaluates and defuses the situation that necessitates non-combat reactions to emergency calls.
"A social worker is trained to deescalate situations from a social service standpoint and recommend the corrective course of action in an effort avert undue injury," stated Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, who identified this need to the City Commission for approval.
"We must increase efforts to improve officer crisis intervention training and mental health outreach programs," said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. "Our law enforcement is a cornerstone of public safety and something we must work to improve throughout our communities."
As noted by the City of Miramar, the social worker's role is to assess and deescalate situations that require a non-combative response to 911 calls.
"We are very excited about our new Police Social Worker position. It is our hope that it will enhance the Police Department's relationship with our community, filling a crucial gap by providing additional resources for those in crisis." said Interim Police Chief Dr. Jose Vargas.
"Thank you, President Biden, for your leadership in putting people over politics and strengthening policing and public safety initiatives,"concluded Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick.
