COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM
There is an ongoing national conversation about what modern policing should look like in the future. While there are a variety of ideas being discussed and even several new models being implemented in some major metropolitan areas; modern policing in rural areas has yet to be defined. The Sylva Police Department and Western Carolina University decided to be very intentional about charting the future of policing for rural law enforcement. We have partnered together to create a new model of policing for the Town of Sylva. As of October 2021, the Sylva PD began offering a new service.
This new service is called the Community Care Program. This service consists of placing a senior-level or graduate-level WCU intern from the department of Social Work within Sylva PD to serve in the role of Community Care Liaison. The Community Care Liaison’s primary functions are to follow up with citizens involved in police calls for service and to also connect victims with community services. When a police officer encounters an individual that they identify as someone who could use additional attention, the officer submits a referral to the Community Care Liaison. The Sylva Police Department and Western Carolina University are committed to learning ways to improve policing by integrating aspects of social work into a small-town police department. The Community Care program is already having a positive impact in our community, and we look forward to seeing this program grow as it continues to serve the town of Sylva.
OUR GOALS
Expand the law enforcement toolbox by increasing officer response options beyond arrests, citations, and warnings.
Promote long-term solutions for community members in need through connections with appropriate resources.
Promote safety of officers and community members through increased opportunities for de-escalation and proactive, pre-crisis intervention.
Reduce the risk of trauma from negative interactions between law enforcement and community members.
Reduce officer workload and streamline officer workflow.
The Community Care Liaison can be reached at communitycare@sylvapolice.org or (828) 586-2916
In the photo, left to right:
Chris Martinez (WCU Intern & SPD Community Care Coordinator)
Chris Hatton, Chief of Police (Sylva Police Department)
Professor Cyndy Caravelis, Ph.D. (Professor Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Western Carolina University)
Professor Katy Allen (Assistant Professor & Director of Field Education Department of Social Work, Western Carolina University)