Geneva Police Focus On Mental Health Crisis Intervention

GENEVA, IL—Geneva police announced this week that 75 percent of the city's police officers have now been trained in crisis intervention, providing them with the proper tools and knowledge needed to appropriately address those experiencing a mental health crisis.

“We spend a great deal of time training our officers to assure that our response is professional, caring, empathetic, and provides for the safest and best outcome for all parties involved,” said Police Chief Eric Passarelli.

The Association for Individual Development has been partnering with Geneva police for seven years by assigning a social worker to assist Geneva Police on sensitive calls.

Dating back to April 2020, social workers have assisted the Geneva Police Department with 148 cases involving more than 300 clients. They are on call 24/7 to help officers deal with situations like domestic disputes, death notifications, families in crisis and more.

Passarelli said the department is taking their initiative one step further in an attempt to improve on the services already being provided.

This year, a social worker physically works out of the police facility once a week to provide resources to the community. A GPD officer has also been designated as the department’s mental health advocate, acting as a liaison between social workers and police.

“We understand our important role as caretakers of our community,” Passarelli said. “We believe that by providing these services, we are enhancing the safety and quality of life for our residents and those that work in or visit Geneva.”