Att arbeta i ”möjlighetsfönstret”

Abstract

Using the window of opportunity - Co-operation between police and social services in cases of domestic violence in families with children.This article describes and discusses the cooperation between police and social services when working in accordance with the so-called Icelandic model. The aim of this article is to explore what cooperation within the Icelandic model during the “window of opportunity” means for police officers and social workers discretion and their possibility to perform their work in acute cases of domestic violence in families with children. Empirical data consists of interviews with police officers and social workers. Theories of new institutionalism and street level bureaucrats are used in the analysis.Results show that the Icelandic model has led to increased cooperation between police and social workers at the crime scene. The police and social workers state that they can focus to a greater extent on carrying out what they regard as their own tasks in acute cases of domestic violence when they work according to the model. At the same time, the model has entailed increased control of their work, which has reduced the degree of discretion and possibility for professional assessments and priorities. The perception that there is a “window of opportunity” is shared by the police and the social services and they believe that coordinated efforts in the acute phase are important.