Lynnwood Police Excited to Introduce New Social Worker

Lynnwood Police Department
19100 44th Ave. W.
Lynnwood, WA 98036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lynnwood Police Excited to Introduce New Social Worker

LYNNWOOD, WA (November 30, 2017) - The Lynnwood Police Department, in partnership with the Edmonds Police Department, is excited to announce the hiring of Social Worker, Ashley Dawson.  Several years ago, the Lynnwood Police Department formed the Community Health and Safety Section which was staffed by a police sergeant, who served as a coordinator of services between the police department, other city departments, public and private service providers and community partners.

It quickly became apparent that the Community Health and Safety Section was an important bridge between the provision of traditional law enforcement services and the obvious need for involving other disciplines in addressing complex societal problems such as mental illness, drug addiction and homelessness.  For the past two years the police department has been analyzing workload, developing relationships with public and private service providers and developing budget strategies to expand the provision of services of this section.

In late 2017, the police department realigned staff to add two officers to the Community Health and Safety Section.  In early 2017, the department began working to create a social worker position to add an experienced professional with the education and background to more effectively bridge gaps in accessing services and addressing multi-layered issues within our community.  Chief Davis said, “To best address the underlying issues that are afflicting our homeless, mentally ill and substance affected individuals requires a multi-disciplinary approach.  It is my belief that a highly skilled professional, who is capable of meeting and assessing people where they are at, will be an excellent addition to our departments’ outreach efforts”.

As this was occurring, the Edmonds Police Department, with approval of the Edmonds City Council, offered to assist in funding this position in a collaborative effort to provide services to our region.  The Lynnwood and Edmonds Police Departments have a long history of sharing resources to address law enforcement issues in our communities as efficiently as possible.   In the past few months the Lynnwood Mayor and Lynnwood City Council, approved the creation and immediate funding of this new position, so that the hiring process could begin.

Both agencies were fortunate to have someone of Ms. Dawson’s caliber apply for the position.  She has a Master’s in Social Work and has spent the last seven and half years as a social worker for the Edmonds School District serving as an advocate for students who were struggling with homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues.  Ashley said that she is, “excited about this new partnership between law enforcement and human services.  As someone who lives locally, I am committed to my community and look forward to the innovative work we will do as we create our own program to meet the needs of our unique population”.

Ashley will be assigned to the Community Health and Safety Section, supervised out of the Lynnwood Police Department while working with both departments.  Both agencies are looking forward to having her assistance as they continue to develop goals and strategies to address the complex social issues in our communities.  Edmonds Police Chief Compaan said, “We are extremely excited about this new partnership. It will enhance our ability to better serve the needs of those individuals within our community who are struggling, connecting them with much needed services.  The partnership will also be very beneficial to our first responders, helping to better coordinate available referral resources. Ashley is a fantastic addition for both departments, bringing with her years of experience, and an enthusiastic approach, helping us all to make a difference.”

Deputy Chief Jim Nelson
LPD Media
LPDMedia@LynnwoodWa.Gov

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