E.C.H.O - Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes
The Village's E.C.H.O. Program is an innovative initiative designed to enhance community safety and well-being by offering responses to non-emergency and low-risk calls for service through 911 dispatch. This program reflects Oak Park’s commitment to reimagining public safety and meeting the diverse needs of our neighbors.
What is E.C.H.O.?
E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for Healthy Outcomes) is the Village's Alternative Response to Calls for Service Pilot Program. Developed in response to years of community advocacy and in alignment with state legislation and expert recommendations, E.C.H.O. seeks to provide compassionate, effective care through specialized response teams.
This initiative builds on:
E.C.H.O. focuses on creating a holistic, community-oriented approach to service delivery while fostering collaboration with internal and external public safety and emergency response providers.
How E.C.H.O. Works
Community Care Navigation
A cornerstone of E.C.H.O., Community Care Navigation provides follow-up services and support for residents in need. Key features include:
- Connecting residents to additional resources following a 911 call or Village-initiated service.
- Rapid response to direct Village calls concerning unhoused individuals, traumatic community events and other urgent needs.
- Serving as subject matter experts in care coordination, housed within the Village.
Community Care Navigation also emphasizes partnerships, including:
- Re-establishing the Village’s intergovernmental agreement with Oak Park Township to participate in its Youth Engagement Program.
- Strengthening relationships with senior service programs.
Unarmed Service Response
To address low-risk calls that do not require a mental health or police response, E.C.H.O. introduces Community Service Officers (CSOs) — unarmed civilian members of the Oak Park Police Department.
CSOs will:
- Respond to calls such as property damage, minor thefts, motor vehicle accidents and falls or injuries on public property.
- Enhance response times and free up armed officers to focus on higher-risk situations.
Community Impact
E.C.H.O. represents a critical step toward a more inclusive and responsive public safety model. By addressing the unique needs of residents with specialized teams, the program fosters a safer, healthier and more connected community.