WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Waukegan police are getting help to calm things down.
Waukegan police officers are joining forces with social workers beginning
next month. When Waukegan police officers in a new specialized unit are
called to investigate a report of a wrongdoing or an individual in distress, a
social worker will come with them, the Lake County News-Sun reports.
“We’ve never had people to help (like this) before,” Sgt. Mallory Baker told the Lake County News- Sun.
“Going on a call with a social worker will enable us to increase the chance of a less-volatile situation. We’ll be able to do the necessary follow-up after the crisis. We’ll know what they need.”
Waukegan's community outreach division will consist of three police officers and three social workers. Waukegan's new policing program is part of a pilot program created by the Illinois General Assembly.
Waukegan is one of four cities putting police officers and social workers in cars together. Springfield, Peoria and East Saint Louis are doing it as well.
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