In times of stress, people oftentimes overlook help available nearby, but our first responders can be great assets in our times of need.
I recently talked with Plano Police chief, Norman Allison, about some of the mental and emotional issues that can affect older adults and how police can help. He says there are many ways that police, and local government can help people in need, and their willingness to care should not be overlooked, adding that often the first encounter is a wellbeing check by a loved one or a concerned neighbor.
“Our officers continually undergo training to assess situations and handle various scenarios they may encounter. We teach them how to follow up and collaborate too,” Allison said. “In situations where there are domestic disputes or hoarding situations, for example, there is always a need for follow up with individuals and for long-term plans to help them resolve their underlying issues,” he added, possibly working with other government departments, such as building, planning and zoning, the fire department, or social services. “For us, taking a clarity of distance approach and looking at the big picture can often times provide a way to offer assistance to those in need,” chief Allison said.
Chief Allison continued, saying, “if individuals call the police they need something. Officers don’t try to intrude on people’s freedom, but if there is a serious reason for a call, they cannot leave until issues are resolved.” He leads his police department to be a community caretaking role, adding, “as police officers must be crime fighters and community oriented, with a hybrid approach to serving citizens.”
Social workers assist local law enforcement too. The City of Aurora collaborates with Family Services Association of Greater Elgin to provide social workers to the Aurora Police Crisis Intervention Unit so that police and social workers can respond together to incidents and issues. The Village of Montgomery employs a full-time social worker. In Kendall County, there are currently two temporary social workers assisting residents and police. Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, Oswego, Yorkville, and Plano Police can each access four hours of service from these social workers once a week to handle issue that may arise. Police officers are also able to contact the social workers at any time by phone or email. Social workers add a great dimension to service to residents, but Chief Allison assures residents they can trust their local police officers are trained to respond with compassion and care.
“We are always looking for ways to connect with our residents and to not be viewed as confrontational,” Chief Allison said. “Attending community events and just being present has allowed for many great conversations to occur. We often find that people will approach us and say, ‘While you are here, can you help me with a situation?’” chief Allison added, “Making friends in the community also helps with crucial conversations we may have to have in the future. We continuously try to humanize the badge and show that we are real people.”
In addition to being present in times of need, Police can also assist by noting important safety information relayed by family and loved ones and keep records for family members that can be accessed by emergency responders in the future. “For example,” chief Allison said, “when we encounter a person with autism or dementia, we can record specific information to help officers if they need to interact in the future. Perhaps the person is unable to talk, has certain impairments or things that may frighten them? We want to know, so that we know how to help them in the best way possible.”
There are other great resources available too. If you just need to find out about resources in the community, call 211. Individuals, or loved ones of individuals, with suicidal inclinations can find a listening ear and get timely help by calling 988. If you need police or emergency services to respond to your door, call 911, they will respond.
Chief Allison reminds us, “Don’t ever be afraid to call. Whether an incident or even text, phone, or email scams has occurred. Whatever the need, that is why we are there.”
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer who has worked in public relations, as a television producer and an on-air host for television and radio, as a print journalist and managing editor, as well as in the non-profit sector networking among several social service agencies and service providers throughout Illinois. She is also serving a third term as an elected Alderman in the City of Plano Illinois. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.