Hennepin County Embedded Social Worker Program Expanded

Hennepin County has been operating its embedded social worker program since 2019. SLMPD is one of seven new agencies joining the program. 

Social workers are called upon to aid police if there are concerns that someone is experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. The social worker does not go on the 911 call, but the officer can send a referral to a social worker to get the person the resources and help they need.

Learn more:

WCCO: Hennepin Co. To Expand Embedded Social Workers To 21 Police Departments By 2022: ‘The Future Of Public Safety’

KSTP: 21 police departments within Hennepin County embed more social workers

Fox News: Hennepin County expands program embedding social workers in police departments

KARE 11: Social workers aid police during mental health crisis calls at some metro police departments

MPR: Social worker crisis response program in Henn Co spreads to more police departments

Star Tribune: Hennepin County extends embedded social worker program to seven more suburban police departments

AP: Hennepin County embeds social workers in 21 police agencies

U.S. News:  Hennepin County Embeds Social Workers in 21 Police Agencies

For additional information, contact South Lake Minnetonka Police Department,  952.474.3261.