police / policing

The Power to Take Life | NASW Member Voices

The Power to Take Life | NASW Member Voices

By Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW This year marks the second anniversary of the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The former police officer responded to a call that a customer was suspected of using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy a pack of cigarettes...

Police Contact and Anxiety Among Black Young Adults in St. Louis

Police Contact and Anxiety Among Black Young Adults in St. Louis

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent disorders for Black young adults (ages 18 to 29) in the United States. Additionally, some Black young adults who have had encounters, directly or indirectly, with police may experience “police contact anxiety” (PCA)...

Despite Derek Chauvin verdict, we must reimagine law enforcement

Despite Derek Chauvin verdict, we must reimagine law enforcement

By Mel Wilson, MBA, LCSW NASW Senior Policy Advisor Like millions of Americans, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) was relieved with the guilty verdict imposed by the Minnesota jury upon Officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.  Although...

Checking Our Biases and Moving Social Work Forward

I am writing to you during one of most difficult times I remember in this country of ours. We are the observers of a President who acts at times like a fascist dictator, not like a caring leader. He has fueled the flames of racism. As Americans, we can respect the...