In October 2021, the Police Department was awarded a competitive grant in the amount of $250,000.00 from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The grant supported law enforcement initiatives to implement comprehensive and innovative crisis intervention teams and services. In partnership with Ascension Center for Mental Health, the Crisis Co-Responder Team (CCRT) Program was developed by staff and ultimately implemented in March of 2022.

In the two years the program has been operational, the one (1) full-time Crisis Co-Responder provided in-person mental health intervention services on approximately 300 initial calls for service and conducted over 600 follow-up contacts with individuals seeking mental health assistance. Evaluation of the program exceedingly demonstrated a substantiated caseload, positive impact on Police response to calls for service involving a mental health crisis, and a long-term commitment to the overall well-being of the community and residents. 

With current fund awards anticipated to be expended by late-summer of 2024, the Police Department submitted a comprehensive re-application in the amount of $399,000 under the same grant solicitation. Unfortunately, prioritization of funding was directed towards new programs with insufficient funds remaining for continuation of currently awarded and established programs. As such, grant funding of the Crisis Co-Responder will expire in the coming months. 

Based on the overarching success and demonstrated support of Crisis Co-Responder Team Program services, the Police Department is recommending transitioning the staff position to a full-time employee of the Village in June of 2024. Remaining grant funding will be utilized to supplement fiscal obligations of the position with an anticipated $42,800.00 necessary for the remainder of FY2024. Additional funding opportunities will continue to be explored, including the use of allocations provided by opioid settlement funds for response to co-occurring substance misuse and mental health issues. 

Recommendation

Village staff recommends the Village Board approve an Ordinance amending the Annual FY24 Budget of the Village of Arlington Heights in the total amount of $42,800.00 to be allocated among appropriate salary and benefit accounts (101-3001-510010, 101-3001-519050, 101-3001-519100, 101-3001-519110, and 101-3001-519120).