Martez Warren, a social worker with the University of Michigan-Flint Department of Public Safety, DPS, works to reduce crime, addressing its root causes and connecting individuals with community resources.
“My job is to identify the things that cause people to do things that can potentially get them in trouble,” Warren said. “Once I identify those things, I provide individuals with resources that can help correct or address those issues.”
Warren started this position in May 2025 and operates as both a proactive and reactive service within DPS. After an arrest, he provides College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, CASE, management by connecting individuals to services such as housing assistance, employment resources and mental health support. His role includes preventive outreach through community visits, school programs and engagement initiatives aimed at addressing potential issues before they escalate into criminal behavior.
Warren said many individuals involved in the criminal justice system face systemic challenges, including limited access to employment and housing, particularly after receiving a felony. He said that behavior is often influenced by environmental and social factors rather than isolated decision-making.
Warren’s responsibilities also include conducting community needs assessments and building relationships with local stakeholders, such as Michigan Works, Genesee Health System, Carriage Town and others, who contribute by providing input on local challenges and collaborating with DPS to identify and connect individuals to appropriate community resources. These efforts help identify common concerns and enable DPS to develop strategies to reduce crime and support community well-being.
“The initiative has provided direct support to nearly 60% of referred individuals, with 41% connected to community agencies for additional services,” Melissa Sreckoviv, a researcher for UM-Flint’s DPS, said.
“This is the future of policing and social work,” Warren said. “It’s about understanding why people do what they do and addressing those issues in a positive way.”
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