Gurnee Police CARE Team Enhances Community Mental Health Support
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Gurnee police officer Corey White and licensed clinical social worker Rebecca Price comprise the department's Crisis Assistance & Response Engagement team. The Gurnee Police Department has established this team to respond to calls involving mental health crises and provide additional services.
More than 30 Gurnee officers have been trained in crisis intervention principles. The CARE team formalizes and enhances the department's approach by combining the expertise of a trained officer with the guidance of a licensed social worker, according to Chief Jeremy Gaughan.
Detective Shawn Gaylor explained that this setup allows for immediate responses to community incidents. Officer Corey White and Rebecca Price work out of the Gurnee police station, equipped with radios and responding together to assist individuals in mental health crises.
The team logged 50 contacts in November and 26 in early December. These contacts include active calls, follow-ups, and inquiries for assistance. The social worker can intervene in crises, connect families to social services, assist officers where mental illness factors in, support crime victims, and sometimes provide short-term counseling.
The goal is to coordinate responses and follow-ups for individuals with mental illness, intellectual or developmental disorders, or those experiencing homelessness, while also reducing stigma associated with mental health issues.
Lake County Sheriff's Deputy Chief Chris Covelli noted that these types of calls are increasingly common. Gurnee collaborates with departments from Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office through the Crisis Outreach and Support Team.
Since its inception in January 2022, CoaST has responded to numerous mental health-related calls, allowing trained professionals to spend ample time with those in crisis. This approach emphasizes resolving issues without force and facilitating follow-up assistance as necessary.
Detective Gaylor mentioned that another officer will be assigned to CoaST, while the CARE team will continue to support and assist with situations in Gurnee. Residents can request information or services via gurnee.il.