The primary responsibility of the DPPS Police Social Worker Unit is to respond with officers to calls for service involving individuals in crisis. The focus of the Police Social Workers is on the provision of services in a culturally competent, recovery oriented and trauma sensitive manner. They provide support, immediate stabilization and connection to appropriate resources, treatments, or services. They may also respond to calls for service that include but are not limited to:
1. Unhoused persons
2. Wellness checks
3. Distress due to past trauma
4. Death notifications
Police Social Workers provide a broad range of services, including but not limited to:
1. Special attention to physical, emotional, and psychological safety needs of individual in crisis, including assisting with de- escalation
2. Mental Health Assessment
3. Crisis counseling and safety planning
4. Suicide assessment, intervention, and safety planning
5. Resource connection and referrals
The PSWs coordinate and act as liaison with other mental health and social service agencies, advocates, and professionals to establish a continuum of care for clients that includes services specializing in the areas of need. They participate in community initiatives, and network with service providers to identify trends, barriers, and work towards a more effective provision of services to MSU community members and visitors. PSWs provide community education on topics impacting mental health for the MSU community that contribute to the University’s wellness goals.
MSU DPPS Police Social Work Team:
Police Social Worker
Maria Valayil, LMSW-clinical
E: valayilm@dpps.msu.edu
C: (517) 388-9189
Available 7am to 3pm, Monday through Friday
Police Social Worker Email: DPPS.DL.PSW@msu.edu
For assistance outside of the above hours, please contact MSU DPPS at 517-355-2221.
The Police Social Workers are a part of the Patrol Division.
Deputy Chief, Akin Bryant
E: BryantA@dpps.msu.edu
O: (517) 432-6101