Joliet PD members | Facebook
Joliet PD members | Facebook
At its Nov. 1 meeting, Joliet City Council received an update from the Joliet Police Department about Operation Disrupt, a teen suicide prevention program.
Representatives from the Joliet Police Department, including Officer Michelle Bannis, updated council on the program developed by a Naperville police officer, created as an inexpensive and effective way to reduce suicide attempts by younger adults in public places. The officers said that as part of the program signs had been printed up.
“[The signs are] going to have an informational phone number on there, they could call for a suicide line if they need it,” Bannis said.
Council also learned during the session that authorities researched the most frequent times that suicide attempts tend to occur and have adjusted their patrols as needed.
“They did a study, they said that it usually occurs Monday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. So that's when more of our (officers) patrol over there and just be on the lookout for signs of suicide of children in that area.”
Council was told officers will receive information on what to do if they come across an individual threatening suicide.
Council was told overhead costs for the program are from $200 to $300, with Naperville officers indicating the program has already saved at least one life, maybe more.
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