Police budget expands wellness support
Adds social workers and mental health expert in Valparaiso
“Burgett assists the police in situations related to mental health, substance dependencies and other challenges to reduce crime and repeated calls for service involving a wide variety of community needs.”
— Valparaiso Police Chief Jeff Balon
As the first police department social worker ever employed by the Valparaiso Police Department, Samantha Burgett says she feels she’s leading the way as an example of a new mental wellness police position which could encourage other local police departments to do the same.
“Many people outside of the field of social work do not fully understand what social workers do and are not familiar with the work that must be done in order to address the needs of individuals and our communities,” said Burgett, who began her new position in September.
Valparaiso Police Chief Jeff Balon has announced the addition of the social worker position to the department in September when the Valparaiso City Council approved the 2022 budget.
Burgett, who earned her social work degree from Valparaiso University in 2020 and her master’s degree in social work from IUPUI in May, previously worked as a detention officer in Porter County and as a housing specialist working with young adults who were homeless in Indianapolis, as well as time as a court manager in Porter County Prosecutor’s office.
“Today’s technology allows for much more efficient communication among service providers in the community, as well as more effective documentation and data tracking of community needs and services provided to clientele,” Burgett said.
“I typically average 20 to 25 client contacts per week, in addition to locating resources to fit the needs of the clients. I also spend a significant amount of time estab
lishing relationships with community partners and attending community meetings and conversations intended to address issues being experienced by clients.
Balon emphasized Burgett will not carry a gun or wear a uniform, and her role is not intended to replace police officers responding to regular calls for service or emergency situations.
“Burgett assists the police in situations related to mental health, substance dependencies and other challenges to reduce crime and repeated calls for service involving a wide variety of community needs,” Balon said.
“She will also be tasked with searching for grant opportunities, training that identifies and enhances the current trends in law enforcement related to social needs, as well as interacting with citizens who need assistance.”
Burgett said in her first two months, she has already addressed a range of issues ranging from mental health, substance dependencies, domestic-related issues and aging to victimization and financial issues.
“One of the biggest challenges faced by many social workers is striving to meet the various needs of community members without an unlimited supply of resources,” Burgett said.
Balon said the new police social worker position developed from a partnership that started in late 2017 working with Caroline Ban, program director and assistant professor in the Valparaiso University Social
Work Department, with the program fully funded by HealthLinc, a partner in other programs related to mental health and substance dependencies throughout the community.
Burgett’s annual salary is $54,000 with a $720 annual cellphone stipend.
Included in the budget for the new wellness initiative lead by Balon is another staff addition, Dennis Shelby, practitioner at the Psychoanalytic Institute in Chicago and a resident of Porter County, who will serve as a paid Valparaiso Police Department Internal Mental Health Consultant.
Balon said Shelby, who had previously been working as a voluntary consultant, will support officer health and wellness needs, including assisting officers deal with traumatic job-related stress. Shelby also has a background in law enforcement and will assist with the training and education of officers.
There is a $10,000 annual stipend budgeted for Shelby’s services through invoicing the police department as needed, and then paid through the accounts payable process, rather than adding a salary or payroll position.
“Providing mental health support for our team is another way of ensuring that our department offers the very best in community policing,” Balon said.
“Statistics show that officers who are more mentally prepared and physically fit go into stressful situations with a calmer and more confident demeanor, which has shown to result in more positive resolutions and fewer risks for the community and for officers themselves.”
Balon said there will be an increased priority for officer physical fitness in 2022 by establishing a mandatory physical fitness standard for all police officers.
“The men and women of the Valparaiso Police Department work very hard to protect and help our citizens,” Balon said.
“It is imperative that our team receives the best training, the best equipment, and upholds the highest physical standards, preparing them to deliver the very best in service to our community each day.”