Submitted By
Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Agenda Item Title
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A Presentation and Discussion of Alternative Response to Calls for Service
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Overview
Overview
The proposed model for Alternative Response to Calls for Service was developed to address the evolving needs of our community and is designed to serve as a flexible two-year pilot program that strategically enhances and expands the Village’s current service levels related to 911 and VOP initiated calls for service. This model is one outcome from community calls for a reimagining of public safety, the State of Illinois’s passage of the Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA), the BerryDunn Community Safety Study, the Village Manager’s Alternative Response Task Force for Mental Health Crisis and a review of Board’s goals and priorities.
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Anticipated Actions/Commitments
Recommendation
Pending feedback from the Board, staff will develop a resolution to adopt a pilot program related to alternative response to calls for service. Once the Resolution is adopted, staff will begin implementation of the program working towards a launch date in Fall of 2024.
Report
In response to the BerryDunn Community Safety Study, State of Illinois Community Emergency Services and Support ACT (CESSA), Alternative Response Task Force for Mental Health Crisis, and the Village Board of Trustrees adopted goals for 2024-2025, staff have developed a proposed program design in response to all 911 calls. This proposed program design would create a four-pronged approached based on level of need (low-risk, high-risk), community care navigation, and non-mental health related calls for service.
Village staff has diligently developed a comprehensive plan to address the needs listed throughout the report. Short-term steps include defining mental health crisis parameters, promoting access to crisis services, and enhancing dispatcher training. Policies and procedures will ensure seamless coordination between first responders and mental health crisis workers, emphasizing confidentiality and equity. The Village also focuses on workplace culture, promoting de-escalation training, and trauma-informed practices.
To mobilize quickly in mental health crises, the Village prioritizes efficient dispatch and on-site assessment. For staffing, a multidisciplinary team, including mental health professionals, will respond alongside the Police and Fire departments.
Post-crisis, a program will connect individuals with ongoing services. Community education efforts will enhance crisis recognition and trust, with a focus on inclusivity and equity. Continuous monitoring and improvement, guided by change management principles, ensure a responsive and effective system, with ongoing community engagement and feedback.
DEI Impact
One of the goals of the alternative response to calls for service model is to reduce law enforcement interaction with those who are experiencing mental health crises. A traditional law enforcement response is likely to have a disproportionate effect on marginalized communities, including people of color or lower socio-economic status. An alternate response can mitigate the disparity by providing appropriate and culturally sensitive support. This support may come in the form of mental health service providers or through peer support specialists who have lived experience with mental health or addiction challenges.
Alternatives
Alternative 1: Village Board of Trustees modify the proposed program design to provide a different level of support to the Village of Oak Park.