Austin city council agree to cut 100 million from police budget (Houston: college, camps)

[ashbeeigh]

Here is a job posting for those wondering about the "defunding." https://www.austincityjobs.org/postings/85155

[Need4Camaro]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

Here is a job posting for those wondering about the "defunding." https://www.austincityjobs.org/postings/85155

crisis counseling, and advocacy to victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, vehicular homicide, family violence, and other types of violent crimes shortly after the crime has been committed. Counselors orient victims to the criminal justice system, answer questions and consult with law enforcement to provide accurate information.

I'm personally still not sure about it. I see the reasoning, but I still don't feel confidently about it. I know people who have undergone family abuse and sexual assault and while I completely advocate providing social workers for the quoted criteria, there are still a ton of unaddressed variables, mainly involving the assaulter. In the event the assaulter of a family or sexual assaulter is still present after the call for example. If a social worker succeeds in 'de-escalating' that issue, it is only because for that brief period of time the assaulter decided to conform, but will likely repeat the offense soon after, especially given he was put in a position as to where he would be subject to authority. I personally believe if we are talking during or just after the incident, an arresting party does need to be present. Although I also do agree post incident that victims of that criteria do need social workers.. ..I just do not believe it needs to come at the cost of human safety.

I just feel overall this is the opposite end of the extreme of what is currently enforced, and I'm definitely not saying what we currently have right now is not a problem, but going from too hot to too cold is literally just another issue in a different flavor. Equilibrium is what is needed... ...and IMO that would be hiring better cops, with social workers assisting them.

One thing I could advocate is police presence, while the cop stays in the car and does not interact unless things seem to get out of hand however.

Another thing that irked me however is this:

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Mental Health Oriented Science or in a field related to the job, plus two (2) years experience in mental health crisis and trauma counseling.

&

Pay Range:

$22.83 – $29.11
Commensurate

They're basically just replacing a cops average salary with that of a far more educated and qualified individual .. I just can't forsee someone with a Masters Degree wanting to do that for a long period of time once they get out into the field on a day to day basis directly exposed to criminal activity and at some level also jeopardizing their own safety.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Need4Camaro

I'm personally still not sure about it. I see the reasoning, but I still don't feel confidently about it. I know people who have undergone family abuse and sexual assault and while I completely advocate providing social workers for the quoted criteria, there are still a ton of unaddressed variables, mainly involving the assaulter. In the event the assaulter of a family or sexual assaulter is still present after the call for example. If a social worker succeeds in 'de-escalating' that issue, it is only because for that brief period of time the assaulter decided to conform, but will likely repeat the offense soon after, especially given he was put in a position as to where he would be subject to authority. I personally believe if we are talking during or just after the incident, an arresting party does need to be present. Although I also do agree post incident that victims of that criteria do need social workers.. ..I just do not believe it needs to come at the cost of human safety.

I just feel overall this is the opposite end of the extreme of what is currently enforced, and I'm definitely not saying what we currently have right now is not a problem, but going from too hot to too cold is literally just another issue in a different flavor. Equilibrium is what is needed... ...and IMO that would be hiring better cops, with social workers assisting them.

One thing I could advocate is police presence, while the cop stays in the car and does not interact unless things.

These are in addition to those already in the field. In cases where I’ve called APD with a family for DV, as early as November 2015, this position cosme out. This position goes out with an officer. Just like with a mental health emergency, an officer is there to support and provide back-up as necessary. And the role of this SWer is to connect to ongoing services after the deescalation of this situation. So, counseling, exams, lawyers, etc. They are moving to fund more of these positions. This is a best practice in both fields backed by research.

I would not consider the position given the pay level, though.

[CarnivalGal]

I can't seem to find it now, but I saw an article last week that said over 60% of calls that police respond to don't involve any potential of injury or death. And I believe it - fender benders, taking reports, etc. It makes sense to have other people respond to those calls and free up the police to deal with those calls that do involve escalated issues.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

I can't seem to find it now, but I saw an article last week that said over 60% of calls that police respond to don't involve any potential of injury or death. And I believe it - fender benders, taking reports, etc. It makes sense to have other people respond to those calls and free up the police to deal with those calls that do involve escalated issues.

I don’t think social workers would be responding to fender benders.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by ashbeeigh

I don’t think social workers would be responding to fender benders.

obviously they wouldnt be social workers. They could be people specifically trained to follow up on traffic accidents.

For crimes, it would be specialists in forensics that dont have to be trained in tactics or shooting. I dont know if they would be less expensive than police, but that job is likely less stressful and less political and you can choose from a wider variety of personality types.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by Austin97

obviously they wouldnt be social workers. They could be people specifically trained to follow up on traffic accidents.

For crimes, it would be specialists in forensics that dont have to be trained in tactics or shooting. I dont know if they would be less expensive than police, but that job is likely less stressful and less political and you can choose from a wider variety of personality types.

I've literally never heard of this an option. But okay.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by USMC0372

In my opinion, social workers should augment the Police Department, not replace or respond without them. It is simply too dangerous for an unarmed social worker to respond to a law enforcement call. Any call, no matter how minor, can turn into something much larger. They should be and from my experience have been used to help victims of Domestic Violence after the call is over and other situations involving children and family issues.

Not quite sure about “when the call is over,” but basically, this is what you’ve described. And I agree. They’re adding more with the movement of funds from officers to different forms of support.

[CarnivalGal]

Originally Posted by USMC0372

In my opinion, social workers should augment the Police Department, not replace or respond without them. It is simply too dangerous for an unarmed social worker to respond to a law enforcement call. Any call, no matter how minor, can turn into something much larger. They should be and from my experience have been used to help victims of Domestic Violence after the call is over and other situations involving children and family issues.

It's not just about response, it's about prevention. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we have the resources to intervene and provide help and services to people early enough, most will never turn into a police call in the first place.

[ashbeeigh]

Originally Posted by CarnivalGal

It's not just about response, it's about prevention. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If we have the resources to intervene and provide help and services to people early enough, most will never turn into a police call in the first place.

Yes. It's about being there from the start; being a safe person during a time of crisis is super important. Knowing there is someone there to support you at your worst. Having these types of people at the point of crisis may (and this I say with lots of hope but fear it will not happen) help build some trust with law enforcement. I don't believe victim advocates (which I believe these are) will ever be in uniform. They may wear an APD t-shirt, but wearing jeans, t-shirt and sneakers is going to be the preferred dress.