Camden police begin deploying social workers to assist on city streets.

In an innovative approach to community welfare, the Camden County Police Department has initiated the Village Initiative, a program aimed at addressing pressing quality-of-life issues and preventing potentially volatile confrontations with law enforcement. Launched in January 2024, this initiative significantly emphasizes collaboration between police officers and trained social workers, creating a framework designed to assist vulnerable populations within the community.

Social worker Lyzza Tyson plays a pivotal role in this initiative, engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance abuse issues, and mental health challenges. Her hands-on approach involves conducting outreach in various neighborhoods, including the busier thoroughfare of Broadway in Camden, a city housing approximately 70,000 residents.

The initiative not only houses a dedicated office at the Camden police station but is also staffed by a team comprising four counselors and two peer specialists. These professionals are tasked with providing immediate assistance to those in need, ranging from mental health support to essentials such as hygiene kits. This approach reflects a growing recognition that social workers often possess specialized training that equips them to address crises more effectively than traditional police methods.

According to police spokesperson Dan Keashen, the Village Initiative is reportedly the largest program of its type in South Jersey. Camden has garnered national recognition for its shift towards a community-centric model of policing, where the focus is not solely on law enforcement but also on community engagement and support. This progressive approach is resonating beyond local borders, with advocates like Chuck Wexler from the Police Executive Research Forum characterizing it as the future of policing.

The efficacy of the Village Initiative is illustrated by a reduction in calls related to individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health crises, dropping from 3,243 in 2023 to 1,913 in 2024. Furthermore, at least 457 individuals have engaged with social assistance services voluntarily, showcasing the program’s impact on fostering trust and encouraging individuals to seek help.

Central to this initiative’s mission is the establishment of trust between law enforcement and those they serve. Many individuals confronted by the outreach teams harbor fears of legal repercussions or misidentification with immigration authorities. This complicates efforts to provide support, necessitating a compassionate approach that emphasizes care over enforcement.

Simultaneously, the Village Initiative is part of a broader strategy focusing on community policing, which became necessary after the Camden municipal police force was disbanded in 2013. This transition has allowed for an integrated model that blends law enforcement with social services, demonstrating a commitment to reducing violence and improving community relations.

Tyson’s encounters often highlight the complexities of engaging with people in crisis, with some individuals resistant to accepting help until they reach a point of readiness. Nonetheless, stories of successful interventions, such as guiding a sex worker towards recovery after multiple outreach attempts, underscore the initiative’s potential to effect meaningful change.

As Camden continues to navigate its transformation, the Village Initiative stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to addressing systemic issues through a collaborative model. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement and social services, Camden is forging a path toward a more compassionate and effective approach to public safety and community well-being.