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Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention

Crisis Intervention Unit

 ---  IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 9-1-1  ---

The Addison Police Department is committed to creating a culture of "acceptance" regarding its citizens with autism/intellectual and developmental disabilities and those seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia.

In 2017, the Addison Police Department created its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) to better serve citizens suffering from mental health issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as its seniors. Along with its partnership with Northeast DuPage Youth and Family Services (NEDYFS), the program has continued to develop and today provides a total approach to serving these residents.

This is done through the following:

Education:  A select number of officers within the Addison Police Department are selected to become CIT officers. These officers receive specialized training regarding mental health issues, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities. All Addison Police officers receive training and education on ways to ensure positive and safe interactions between law enforcement and the special needs community.

Training includes the following:

40-Hour Crisis Intervention Team
Mental Health First Aid
Elderly Service Officer
Suicide Prevention/Intervention
Autism/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Addison Police officers also carry Autism Sensory Kits, as well as Picture Exchange Communication Cards (PECS) in squad cars to assist with those with communication difficulties. 

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Community Engagement:  Members of the Addison Police Department conduct presentations within Addison and throughout the County regarding safer interactions with the special needs community and law enforcement. The Addison Police Department also participates in events focused on building its relationship with the special needs community, such as the Addison School District 4 Special Needs Resources Fair, First Responder soccer game with Chicago TOPsoccer, the Autism Law Enforcement Patch Challenge and other events.

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You can complete this form to request more information on the resources available to those suffering from mental health issues or call Sergeant Will Fuentes at (630) 543-3080.

CRISIS INTERVENTION REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

Resources:  The Addison Police Department offers a variety of resources for families with loved ones with special needs:

  • Parent Safety Plan
  • Premise Alert Program
  • Addison Police Department Picture Exchange Communication Cards
  • Autism/Intellectual Disability 911 Script
  • Neighbor Notification
  • MedicAlert LEAP Program
  • Wallet Card
  • Premise Alert Program
  • Smart 911