For coverage on the task force’s last meeting, check out @jhaylin_benson’s thread

https://twitter.com/jhaylin_benson/status/1532017852584120321?s=20&t=cj9_80o9LEZI-nmlfwBgBQ

At the last meeting, concerns regarding the Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) were broken down to see how the task force can fill the gaps that the new 988 number could create for those who might not be aware of the change, or while getting off the ground

CESSA is also known as Stephon Edward Watts Act, named after 15-year-old Stephon Watts, a child with Aspeger’s Syndrome who was shot and killed by police in his home on Feb. 1st in 2012 in Calumet City while experiencing extreme sensory overload. https://t.co/2PPfdjtMCb

The officers at fault, William Coffey and Robert Hynek, were put on paid administrative leave.
https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/family-of-autistic-teen-killed-by-calumet-city-cops-loses-civil-suit-appeal/

CESSA would end police intervention when it comes to mental health crisis calls, and instead send a team through 9-8-8 to diffuse the situation if need be, which also includes removing Crisis-Intervention-Trained (CIT) police.

Meeting is called to order @ 10:02am with all members present

Going over the changes the County Sheriff’s Departments done so far, Director Elli Montgomery goes over subtle changes that have made a big difference, like having mental health specialists chat through tablets with those in crisis onsite https://t.co/LlhddPvN6x

These services are also provided for officers as well, to help officers maintain a humanitarian lenses when on the job

12th District Cook County Commissioner, Bridget Degnen asks how intense the CIT training is.

Officers are trained every year and get checked in on routinely

Montgomery breaks down the plan to help those by taking advantage of the ‘honeymoon period,’ after a crisis— meaning the couple of days/weeks after a crisis when those affected are most remorseful and therefore open to intervention or trying services

The response team works 24/7, with clinicians working remotely and reports most calls coming in between 11pm-4am

Montgomery reports that when it comes to unnecessary calls, those being affected directly tend to be within reason while family members and those nearby are the ones who call without need

Otis Story Deputy Chief of Staff for the office of the President asks about how the 988 roll out has been coming.

In short, “I just really wish we build the skeleton before we build the muscle,” says Director Montgomery

“Is there danger of a false start that could set us back years?” story asks.

It might be reasonable to ask, ‘can we pilot it,’ …instead of launching at such a large scale,” responds Montgomery.

Story thanks Montgomery while adding, “I share your concern by the way.”

Now Co-lead Joshi is presenting SWOT analysis so far and opening up the floor for any additions or questions

Most notably on the analysis report, there’s weaknesses concerning accountability across agencies and frontline workers not being fully educated on how to help https://t.co/by0knsbkOi

Commissioner Degnen adds that there’s a weakness regarding a cohesive place to call when in crisis in connection to mental health since 988 isn’t up and running fully just yet

Regarding threats to the response team, Commissioner Degnan echoes the concerns brought up earlier regarding public need growing faster than the governments capability to build their response agency

Final reports are due August 1st, and the goal is to have “a high level outline.”

With no public comment Dr. Joshi moves to adjourn and so it is at 11:16am with the next meeting set for Wednesday, July 6th.

For more coverage on Chicago and Cook County civic meetings, make sure to follow @CHIdocumenters, bue y’all!