Oswego Police Hosting Crisis Intervention Team Meeting

OSWEGO, IL—To better provide assistance to citizens in a mental health crisis incident, the Oswego Police Department is looking to host a crisis intervention team kickoff meeting. At 6 p.m. May 28 at the Oswego Fire Protection District Station No. 1, representatives for law enforcement, mental health providers and hospital emergency services will join individuals with mental illnesses and their families to work toward creating connections. The meeting will consist of a presentation, question-and-answer discussion and informal discussion.

Authorities said it is not uncommon that law enforcement officers are the first to respond in mental health crisis incidents. A crisis intervention team, by design, uses a community-based approach to improve the outcomes of these encounters.

Officials said change is made possible through collaborative community partnerships and intensive trainings, to boost communication and identify mental health resources for those in crisis.

The meeting will provide a space to help bring greater awareness to what resources are available and what collaborations could provide added help.

The end goal, officials said, is to bring community leaders together to develop solutions for safely re-directing people in crisis away from the judicial system and into the health care system, if needed.

Anyone interested in seeking additional information can contact Oswego Police Deputy Chief Brad Delphey at 630-551-7300.