Albany PD launches social worker program

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany Police Department unveiled a new social worker program on Tuesday. The department is working with the Albany Community Policing Advisory Committee to improve community relations.

Officials said the new program will allow a social worker to be at the department 24/7 to help someone with any mental health concerns.

"We have a lot of gaps, and we feel that this social worker program can fill those gaps," Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins said.

The police chief said they are hoping to have the program up and running within the next three to four months.