During the holidays and winter months, the Geneva Police Department typically sees an increase in service calls related to mental health emergencies. This season takes on even a new dimension with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

I would like to take a moment to familiarize you with some of the mental health services the Police Department offers to the community.

Police have been working steadily the past few years to provide the most professional, compassionate, and empathetic service to those individuals who may be suffering from a mental health crisis. Many of our staff are certified Crisis Intervention Trained (CIT) officers. The CIT officers are skilled in de-escalation techniques and are trained to respond to those suffering from a mental health crisis, Autism or dementia.

To assure those in need of mental health services are identified, we have assigned a mental health advocate within the Police Department. This officer is tasked with acting as a liaison between the police and Geneva’s mental health/social service providers to make sure those in need of assistance are brought to the attention of those best suited to assist them.

In a further effort to best serve our community, the Police Department partners with a social worker, who is available to respond 24/7 to mental health emergencies, domestic-related situations, homelessness, and many other incidents. In 2019, Geneva Police utilized the social worker more than 200 times. I believe that we will meet, or exceed, that number in 2020.

If you have any questions about the services we provide or believe that we can be of assistance to you, a family member, or a friend, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Geneva Police Department.

I hope that you find this information helpful and wish you a safe and healthy 2021.