As part of our commitment to modern policing, the Gurnee Police Department introduced a Police Social Worker in 2025 to better serve individuals facing mental health and life challenges. This program helps connect people with support, resources and reduced number of police calls for service.
The CARE Team (Crisis Assistance and Response Engagement) is a co-responder model that brings together law enforcement and a licensed clinical social worker to assist individuals experiencing crisis.
This team works together in the field to provide immediate support while also focusing on long term solutions through follow-up care and resource coordination in partnership with various organizations throughout the state.
This team works together in the field to provide immediate support while also focusing on long term solutions through follow-up care and resource coordination in partnership with various organizations throughout the state.
The goal of the Gurnee Police Department CARE Team is to reduce stigma; ease fear associated with law enforcement and ensure individuals receive the appropriate level of care and support.
Compassionate Response with Real Support
The CARE Team assists individuals and families facing a variety of challenges.
- Mental health crisis
- Substance use concerns
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Developmental or intellectual disabilities
- Family or personal crisis situations
- Responds to calls for service involving individuals in crisis
- Delivers proactive support and de-escalation when it matters most
- Conducts follow up visits in person and by phone
- Connects individuals and families with community resources
- Collaborates with local partners to provide better support and lasting outcomes
Our Police Social Worker plays a critical role in bridging law enforcement and community support.
This includes:
This includes:
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation expertise
- Supporting victims and families during difficult situations
- Connecting individuals to social service providers
- Assisting officers on calls involving mental health concerns
- Providing short term stabilization resources when appropriate
- Supporting officer wellness and training
Not every call for service is a criminal matter. Many involve individuals who need support, guidance or access to services.
By integrating a social worker into our response, we are able to:
By integrating a social worker into our response, we are able to:
- Provide more appropriate and effective outcomes
- Reduce repeat calls for service
- Support individuals and families during difficult situations
- Strengthen trust within our community
| "Sometimes people don't need enforcement. They need support, understanding and someone to help them navigate a difficult moment." |
| Rebecca Price Police Social Worker |
Request CARE Team or Social Worker Assistance
You can request support from the CARE Team or Police Social Worker by submitting a request online. This secure form allows community members to share concerns, request assistance or ask for follow up support for themselves or a loved one.