URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The City of Urbana took another step toward rethinking how it responds to emergencies, holding its second Alternative Response Task Force (ARTF) meeting Thursday, November 6, at the Independent Media Center (IMC).

More than 15 task force members gathered around the table, bringing together voices from across the community — including Urbana’s fire and police chiefs, leaders from domestic violence organizations, the NAACP, OSF Hospital, and local nonprofits. Their shared goal: to help design Urbana’s new Alternative Response Model, a program aimed at sending trained, unarmed professionals to certain 911 calls instead of police officers.

The initiative is part of Urbana’s partnership with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), a national nonprofit composed of law enforcement professionals and social scientists advocating for criminal justice reform. LEAP helps cities design Community Response Programs that deploy crisis response teams for nonviolent or service-related calls.

D’aute Martin, Program Specialist at LEAP, said these responders will play a vital role in addressing community needs where traditional policing may not be the best fit.

Mayor DeShawn Williams opened the meeting by emphasizing the city’s commitment to listening and learning from its residents. Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone, Councilwoman Maryalice Wu, Cunningham Township Supervisor Danielle Chynoweth, and President of the NAACP Champaign County Branch, Minnie Pearson. were among those in attendance.

Dr. Stephanie Cockrell, Executive Director of The Well Experience, said the task force’s purpose is to reduce unnecessary police responses and increase access to social support. Cockrell added that for the initiative to succeed, it must be backed with resources.

During the session, LEAP shared data showing the top types of service calls Urbana police currently handle.

Peggie Patten, who serves on Urbana’s Civilian Police Review Board, said the community has long been waiting for an initiative like this.

The ARTF will not make formal decisions but will provide vital feedback and guidance to LEAP as it develops a locally informed Community Response Program. Future meetings will focus on analyzing data and identifying what resources are needed.

City officials noted that all ARTF sessions are open to the public, recorded, and held in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA). The next meeting is scheduled for December 11, at the IMC. For more information about Urbana’s Alternative Response initiative and future meeting dates, visit urbanaill.gov/executive-department/page/alternative-response-task-force.