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Oak Park Heights police announce embedded social worker program with Washington County
Summary
Police Chief Hansen told the council the city’s embedded social worker program, coordinated with Washington County, began this week; the worker is onboarding and is expected to be fully implemented by the start of next month. Hansen also noted a long-serving employee milestone and an incoming patrol truck.
Police Chief Hansen announced Feb. 11 that Oak Park Heights has started an embedded social worker program in coordination with Washington County. Hansen said the social worker’s first day was "yesterday," that onboarding is under way and that the position should be fully implemented by the beginning of next month as the officer and social-worker teams integrate services.
Hansen described the arrangement as a coordinated venture with Washington County and said the specialist is currently splitting time while completing onboarding. The chief said the program will participate in activities such as Sergeant’s walk once fully operational. Hansen also recognized Sandy Cruz for 38 years of service to the city and reported that a new squad patrol truck is at the dealership and should be delivered and upfitted within a few weeks.
The announcement was made as part of the council’s staff reports and drew no formal council action on the item at the Feb. 11 meeting. Hansen did not provide budget details or the social worker’s hiring terms during the announcement; those items were not specified in the transcript.
