Introduction: We, the undersigned, call upon the New York City Council to pass Int. No. 862, a crucial bill that mandates the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to staff each police precinct with a licensed master social worker. This initiative is essential for providing comprehensive support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, including members of the public, detained individuals, crime victims, and their families.

Bill Overview: Int. No. 862, introduced by Council Members Bottcher, Yusef Salaam, Restler, Brannan, Gutiérrez, Brewer, and Farías (by request of the Manhattan Borough President), seeks to amend the administrative code of the City of New York. The bill requires the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to ensure that each police precinct has a licensed master social worker available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These social workers will provide critical consultation services to the police department, the public, detained individuals, crime victims, and their families.

Why This Bill Matters:

Holistic Support: Licensed social workers bring specialized skills to handle crises, provide mental health support, and assist in navigating complex emotional and social issues.
Improved Community Relations: The presence of social workers in police precincts can enhance trust between the community and law enforcement by providing a compassionate response to incidents.
24/7 Availability: Ensuring round-the-clock access to social workers means that support is always available when needed.
Comprehensive Care: Social workers can address the needs of all parties involved, including victims, families, and detained individuals, offering a more humane approach to justice.
Call to Action: We urge the City Council to pass Int. No. 862 and for the Mayor to sign it into law, ensuring that every police precinct in New York City is staffed with a licensed master social worker. This bill will take effect 120 days after becoming law, making immediate and lasting improvements to how we support our community in times of crisis.

Sign the Petition: By signing this petition, you are voicing your support for a more compassionate and effective approach to policing and community support. Together, we can make a difference.

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Contact Information: For more information about this bill, contact the above council members