Algonquin and Cary Police Departments Launch Police Social Services Program

From Algonquin and Cary PD: The Algonquin and Cary Police Departments are participating in a pilot program designed to provide Police Social Services to McHenry County residents through law enforcement agencies in McHenry County. The primary purpose of this program is to bridge the gap between law enforcement officers having contact with community members in need of social services, and service providers.

The pilot program is being funded by the McHenry County Mental Health Board, which contracted with the Association for Individual Development (AID) to provide the Police Social Worker services to participating law enforcement agencies.

Currently, the Algonquin and Cary Police Departments are participating in the program, while several other law enforcement agencies have expressed an interest in participating in the program.

The goal of the program is to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying the root cause of their contact with community members, while assisting the community members with addressing the issues that may make them more prone to law enforcement interactions. These scenarios include, but are not limited to: domestic violence, juvenile/parenting problems, substance abuse, tangible services such as food, housing and financial, issues relating to senior citizens in need of assistance, and crime victim/witness assistance. Long term this program is designed to make the delivery of law enforcement services more efficient and effective.

This program began in April of 2017. Anyone wanting to learn more about the Police Social Worker Program can contact the Algonquin Police Department at (847) 658-4531 or the Cary Police Department at (847) 639-2341.

Image Via Pixabay