Village adjusting emergency response

Nov. 19, 2024 - The Village is launching an Alternative Response to Calls for Service Pilot Program with the goal of enhancing overall community well-being and offering a compassionate alternative to emergency calls related to mental health.

Earlier this year the Village Board approved Phase 1 of the plan, which will focus on two critical components: Providing an unarmed response to low-risk calls and implementing a Community Care Navigation model.

Unarmed response to low-risk calls

Phase 1 introduces an unarmed response to low-risk calls through the employment of non-sworn Community Service Officers (CSOs). This approach addresses calls unrelated to mental health crises that don't necessitate a traditional police response.

By hiring three additional CSOs, the Village aims to handle calls related to issues such as property damage, minor thefts, motor vehicle accidents and falls occurring on public property more efficiently and effectively.

The CSOs will be civilian members of the Police Department, trained to manage these specific situations without carrying firearms.

Community Care Navigation

The second component of Phase 1 involves the implementation of the Community Care Navigation model. This model will be supported by the Village hiring one program manager and two mental health clinicians.

These professionals will provide essential follow-up care and connect community members to additional services after emergency interactions.

This care model emphasizes continued support and linkage to services, addressing needs that may not be met through a conventional emergency response.

Community Care Navigators will follow up with individuals and their families, offering a warm introduction to various community service providers.

Their role also includes rapid response to direct calls to the Village related to unhoused individuals and traumatic community events.

Culimination of Alternative Response to Calls for Service review

The implementation of the Alternative Response to Calls for Service Pilot Program marks the culmination of extensive efforts to assess how the Village responds to emergency calls.

This included community advocacy for reimagining public safety, state legislation such as the Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA), and insights from the BerryDunn Community Safety Study.

Collaboration with internal and external public safety partners also shaped the proposed model, aligning with the Village Board's goals.

For more background about the project, visit www.oak-park.us/communitysafety or contact [email protected].

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