Joliet Police Department - Secondary Setting
The client contacted the Joliet Police Department (secondary setting), due to the domestic violence experienced by her current live-in boyfriend. The police department is the first point of contact for many domestic violence victims. This police department has a total of 345 full-time employees, 265 sworn and 80 civilian. Units of the department include: Quality Assurance/Administration which includes Office of the Chief, Office of the Deputy Chief, Quality Assurance, Timekeeping, Social Services, Special Services, Planning/Accreditation, and Training; Technical Services which includes Records Section, Communication Center, and MIS Section; Investigations which includes Criminal Investigations, and Evidence; and Operations which includes Patrol, Special Services (Neighborhood Oriented Policing, Schools Are For Education, and Special Services Unit), Tactical, Narcotics, and Traffic (Joliet Police Department, 2002).
Social services are coordinated through the police department system, to assist domestic violence victims with a comprehensive range of services. The Social Services Unit has an expanded role in the police department. Regular activities include: counseling, information and referral services (to 500 domestic violence victims), and information and referral services to individuals and families not involved with domestic violence. Mental health topics are presented to the community and to department peer assistants. As of October, 1999, a new program began which provides assistance to officers regarding Minor Requiring Authoritative Intervention (MRAI). With this program the Social Worker reduces the time spent by the officer, contacting the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service representatives (Joliet Police Department, 2002).
The social worker provides case management. This management includes: assessment of the situation, victim, and other family m...