In a recent government meeting, the Village Board of Trustees approved a motion to adopt Phase 1 of an alternative response pilot program aimed at addressing calls for service, particularly those involving mental health concerns. The initiative, which has been a priority for the board, seeks to limit police involvement in situations where mental or behavioral health issues are present.

Village Manager Jackson highlighted the collaborative efforts that informed the program, including discussions with partner agencies like Thrive and the township. The pilot program is designed to be flexible and responsive, with a two-year timeline that allows for ongoing evaluation and adjustments based on community feedback.

Assistant Village Manager Kira Chang presented the key components of Phase 1, which includes the establishment of a community care navigation system. This will involve hiring a program manager and two mental health clinicians who will provide follow-up care for individuals in need, rather than responding directly to emergency calls. The goal is to create a supportive network that connects residents with appropriate services, particularly for those experiencing trauma or homelessness.

Additionally, the program will introduce unarmed community service officers to handle low-risk calls that do not require a sworn officer's presence. The board decided to increase the number of community service officers from two to three to enhance service availability.

Trustees expressed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health expertise into the village's response framework. The board anticipates that Phase 2, which will focus on further collaboration with mental health providers and potentially dispatching clinicians through the 911 system, will be presented in the fall of 2024.

Overall, the pilot program represents a significant shift in how the village addresses calls for service, aiming to provide more appropriate and compassionate responses to community needs.