Winnetka Police Department

Winnetka
Police
Department
2014
Annual Report
The Mission of the Winnetka Police
Department is to protect life and property;
preserve a peaceful community;
prevent, detect and investigate crimes;
justly enforce laws;
and protect the rights of all citizens.
1
Table of Contents
Mission Statement
Table of Contents
Letter from the Chief
Organizational Chart
1
2
3
4
What’s New?
Administrative Adjudication System
Police Social Worker
Video Security
5
5
6
Departments
Department Overview
Patrol, Investigations and Records
Training
Communications, Community Services, Youth Investigations
New Trier Township Peer Jury Program
Crime Prevention / Community Programs
Traffic
Crimes and Arrests
Crime Statistics
Specialty Vehicles / Evidence Technician Unit
7
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
14
15
Regional Cooperative / Partnerships
Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
The Northern Illinois Police Alarm System (NIPAS)
NIPAS Emergency Services Team / Mobile Field Force
NORTAF Major Crimes Task Force / Burglary Task Force
North Regional Major Crash Assistance Team
Northeastern Illinois Crime Laboratory
16
16
16
17
18
18
Recognitions
Employee Welcomes
2014 Community Highlights
19
20/21
2
Winnetka Police Department
410 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093-2576
Patrick L. Kreis
Chief of Police
Main: (847) 501-6034
Fax: (847) 501-6042
Thank you for your interest in the Winnetka Police Department. This annual report is intended
to provide an introduction to your Police Department and a brief snapshot of activities in 2014.
The report describes how a team of professionals provide a complete array of modern police
services.
A strong partnership between police and the citizenry is essential in preserving a peaceful
community. The Winnetka Police Department has a long standing commitment to protecting the
community in partnership with the public rather than trying to police its citizens. Our community is
best served through this partnership. This is often as simple as a citizen calling 9-1-1 when they
see something suspicious, learn of a crime or observe a dangerous situation. Unfortunately there
is often a delay in calling out of hesitancy to dial 9-1-1. We want to reduce that hesitancy.
Our guidance is simply, call 9-1-1 when:
 Someone needs service of a Police Officer, Paramedic or Firefighter.
 You see suspicious activity.
 You see a potentially dangerous situation.
Don’t worry about figuring out what is an emergency; when in doubt, call 9-1-1.
Calling 9-1-1 immediately connects you with a Communications Officer who will speak with
you to determine what type of service is necessary. You do not have to meet with an officer or
identify yourself just because you call.
Of course this report cannot tell the entire story or answer every question. Should you want
additional information, please contact us. A staff member is always available.
Patrick L. Kreis
Chief of Police
“Proudly Serving and Protecting Since 1869”
3
Chief of Police
Winnetka Police
Department
Patrick Kreis
2014 Organizational Chart
27 Sworn Personnel
9 Non-Sworn Personnel
5 Part-Time Non-Sworn
Deputy Chief
Joseph Pellus
Administrative
Support
Special
Services
Commander
Patrol
Commander
Records &
Communications
Supervisor
Investigations
&
New Trier SRO
Patrol
Sergeants
Communications,
Records &
Technology
Patrol
Day
Shift
Patrol
Night
Shift
Community
Service
Officers
4
What’s New?
Administrative Adjudication System
In February 2014 the Village Council passed an ordinance instituting an Administrative
Adjudication System after significant research and deliberation. The Village’s Administrative
Adjudication System, now fully implemented, resulted in two key changes: First, citations
issued by the Police Department for most Village Code violations now include a fixed fine and
are payable by mail without having to make an appearance at Cook County Circuit Court in
Skokie. Secondly, the ordinance establishes a process allowing persons who are issued citations
for parking and other code violations a local venue to challenge such tickets.
The new ordinance did not affect the enforcement of criminal laws or moving vehicle violations.
Those matters will still be adjudicated at the Circuit Court in Skokie. Furthermore, the ordinance
did not outlaw any new conduct not already restricted by Village Code or State Law.
The new Administrative Adjudication System is designed to produce several improvements and
efficiencies for persons receiving a citation, complaining witnesses and police staff. As an
example, most persons who received a citation for a Village Code violation, other than parking,
under the old system were required to appear in court, even if they did not wish to contest the
ticket. Appearing in court included a minimum $194.00 fee paid to the County, in addition to
any fine imposed. Under the Village’s Administrative Adjudication System most persons will be
able to pay a set fine without being required to appear at a hearing. Persons wishing to contest a
citation or who otherwise require an appearance will attend a hearing at the Village Hall for a
$40.00 hearing fee. Citizens pay nothing if found not guilty at either Court or an Administrative
Hearing.
More details about the ordinance can be found on the Village website:
http://www.villageofwinnetka.org/assets/1/20/02-18-14_Council_Packet.pdf
or
http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/Illinois/winnetka_il/winnetkavillagecode1999?f=templ
ates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:winnetka_il
Police Social Worker
The Winnetka Police Department has engaged the part time services of an experienced Social
Worker who previously worked for the Police Department in a partnership with New Trier
Township in a similar capacity. The Police Social Worker responds as needed to assist citizens
by providing advice and addition support during times crisis.
5
Video Security
In early 2014 the Village replaced its video security system at the Public Safety Building. The
new system included cameras located in public areas of the Village Hall and Elm Street Metra
Station. These camera images are transmitted via the Village’s fiber optic system back to a
central server. The cameras can be viewed in real time by Communications Officers or played
back for later to aid in investigations.
Even in the short time the new camera system has been operating, a solid inference regarding
crime prevention can be made. The cameras provided invaluable assistance in the arrest of two
career criminals in May 2014. Arrested, just days apart, the unconnected offenders each had
multiple convictions and had spent over ten years in prison. They were both arrested for stealing
a bicycle from the Elm Street train station bike rack under observation of the video security
system. Both were remanded to Cook County Jail; plead guilty and subsequently sentenced to
prison terms. The arrest of two criminals, who likely would have committed additional thefts in
Winnetka, is undoubtedly related to a near fifty percent drop in bike thefts as compared to
previous years. It’s important to note that these cases were more complicated than just watching
a video screen and arresting an offender. In each case, the dogged combined efforts of the
Communications Officers, Police Officers and Detectives were essential in detecting,
apprehending and prosecuting these thieves.
The Department is working to install additional public safety cameras in 2015. In all cases the
cameras are installed in an overt fashion and record public areas where there is no expectation of
privacy. Unless needed for an investigation, the digital images are automatically deleted as new
recordings routinely overwrite the files.
6
Department Overview
The Winnetka Police Department, located at 410 Green Bay Road, is currently comprised of
thirty-five full time and five part time employees who provide police related services for
Winnetka’s 12,370 residents. Twenty-seven employees, including the Chief of Police, are sworn
police officers who enforce and investigate local and state criminal offenses. Fourteen other
employees are employed in non-sworn civilian capacities.
The Police Department is divided into three main sections: Administration, Operations, and
Administrative Services.
The Administration Section consists of the Chief of Police, the Deputy Chief, and the
Department Administrative Support Specialist. The Administration Section coordinates and
oversees all law enforcement related activities within the Village and is responsible for
establishing the goals and objectives as well as the overall vision of the Winnetka Police
Department.
The Operations Section is comprised of two Commanders, five Patrol Sergeants, seventeen
sworn officers, and four Community Service Officers (CSOs), who work in shifts to provide
Winnetka with 24-hour police services. These officers are the first responders to any calls for
service from the public. This section contains Patrol, Investigations (including the New Trier
High School Resource Officer and Police Support Analyst), and Community Services.
The Administrative Services Section consists of the Police Records and Communications Units
which are staffed by nine civilian employees. These units provide needed technical and
advanced services to the Administration and Operations Sections, answer all calls for service,
manage police response, and provide general information to the public via telephone or in
person.
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Patrol Division:
The Patrol Division comprised of fourteen uniformed officers, five Patrol Sergeants, and one
Patrol Commander, is the most visible aspect of the
Department. Uniformed patrol officers operating marked
police vehicles provide daily preventative patrol coverage for
the Village to deter criminal activity and calm traffic.
Patrol officers are responsible for the protection of life and
property, preservation of peace and order, control and
direction of traffic, investigation of traffic crashes, proactive crime prevention, and countless
other police services. Patrol officers respond to emergency and routine calls for service and
produce crime or incident reports when warranted. The Police Department responded to 7,771
calls for service in 2014.
Investigations Unit:
The Investigations unit is comprised of two specially trained Detectives, a School Resource
Officer (SRO) and a part time Police Support Analyst (PSA). These officers work under the
direct supervision of the Special Services Commander. The core function of the Unit is to review
and conduct investigations of all criminal activity within the village. The Unit handles complex
and time consuming investigations, protracted or historical crimes, monitors known offenders,
identifies emerging crimes trends and implements proactive measures to minimize such criminal
activity. The Investigations Unit also conducts inspections of all liquor vendors in Winnetka,
ensures compliance with the liquor license code and provides the Liquor Commissioner with all
necessary reports.
The Winnetka Police Department has assigned a School Resource Officer (SRO) to New Trier
East High School since 1992. The SRO acts as a vital liaison between the Police Department,
students and staff. The SRO is assigned to the High School full time during the academic school
year and attends many evening and weekend functions that are sponsored by the school. The
SRO also conducts educational presentations to both students and staff.
The Support Analyst position is a voluntary role currently filled by a retired Detective Sergeant.
The PSA while working alongside the Detectives is responsible for research into active crime
and background intelligence investigations.
In 2014 the Investigations Unit actively investigated 178 criminal incidents. Each investigator
also contributes to the NORTAF Burglary and NORTAF Major Crimes Task Forces.
Police Records:
The Police Records Section processes and maintains all police reports, solicitor and taxi
applications and permits, liquor license applications, alarm records, and Administration
Adjudication Hearing requests. Records Officers also staff the reception desk and are cross
trained as Communications Officers. The Records Section is also responsible for generating a
weekly report of police activity for public dissemination. Records personnel also update and
maintain all case files and collect and collate statistical data for management.
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Training:
Like most organizations the Winnetka Police Department is living in a rapidly changing world
and we constantly need to adapt to new protocols, changes to existing laws, the introduction of
new laws, advancements in technology and threats both domestic and foreign. To adequately
equip all our staff we have a rigorous training schedule designed to prepare them for whatever
they may encounter. Having already attended and successfully completed the Police Academy
and passed the Illinois State Peace Officer examination all our sworn officers undertake fitness
assessments, firearms qualification, control and restraint tactics and CPR training.
However, this is just their core training and throughout the year there is a rolling training
program which includes classroom instruction, monthly online customized State-specific policy
training, and specialist inputs for other partner agencies, role play exercises and practical
scenarios. This training often involves our communications staff, supervisors, senior
management and other emergency services to simulate real life scenarios and allows officers to
gain the experience of a multi-agency response in a controlled setting.
In addition to this, and to invest further in our talent, Department members are afforded the
opportunity to supplement their basic training with a wide variety of additional responsibilities
that can often be incorporated into everyday police duties. Some of these duties are further
described in the Mutual Aid Partnerships section and allow us to draw upon their own specific
skills and interests.
In 2014 the Department reinforced its overall capability to deal with potential threats and conflict
situations by undertaking Rapid Deployment Training at Carleton Washburne School and
scenario based training at local unoccupied homes set to be demolished. Other areas of refresher
training including dealing with incidents at Metra locations, as well as education in global events
which had the potential to impact our community. Individual Officers received training in Police
Supervision, Crime Prevention, Critical Incident Response, Fire Investigation, Crime Scene
Investigation and S.W.A.T. Furthermore, 2014 saw Deputy Chief Pellus graduate from The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Academy, a rigorous professional development
program held in Quantico, VA. In the Winnetka Police Department we not only train for what we
routinely encounter but also for what we potentially encounter.
Bi-Lingual Officer
Bicycle Officer
Car Seat Inspector
Control Tactics Instructor
Crash Reconstruction
Crime Prevention Officer
Elementary School Liaison
Emergency Vehicle Operation
Evidence Technician
Field Training Officer
Fire / Arson Investigator
Firearms Instructor
First Aid Instructor
Fitness Instructor
Investigations Unit
New Trier High School Resource Officer
Juvenile Officer
Motorcycle Officer
NIPAS Emergency Services Team
NIPAS Mobile Field Force
NORTAF Major Crimes Investigations
NORTAF Major Crime Evidence Technician
NORTAF Burglary Task Force
NORTAF Major Crash Team
Officer Friendly
Property Control
Squad Car Committee
Taser Instructor
Technical Services
Traffic Analyst
9
Communications:
The Communications Unit answers all
incoming emergency and routine calls for
service involving public safety (police /
fire). Communication Officers then relay
relevant information to patrol units on the
streets, as well as assign the appropriate
number of patrol officers to each call for
service. Request for Fire or Emergency
Medical Service needs are transferred to
RED Center, a regional fire dispatch center.
The Communications Center is the life line
to officers on the street, taking on the responsibility of maintaining communication links and
directing them to all calls for service.
Community Services:
The Winnetka Police Department has two
full-time and two part-time Community
Service Officers (CSOs) who primarily work
during daylight hours.
These officers
responsibilities include Village parking
enforcement, animal control related calls,
assisting with traffic control, school
crossings, and other non-crime related calls
for assistance that do not require the services
of a sworn officer.
Youth Investigations / Resources:
Winnetka Police Officers often come into contact with juveniles when investigating criminal
activity, juvenile-in-crisis complaints, and child abuse allegations. Incidents involving juveniles
require specially trained officers who are knowledgeable about current juvenile law and handling
procedures. Winnetka presently has six certified Juvenile Officers who provide juveniles and
their parents with support, direction, and social service resources to aid juveniles into becoming
responsible adults.
New Trier Township Peer Jury Program:
Created in 1998, the Peer Jury
Program brings together the New
Trier Township Board of
Trustees,
area
police
departments, private and public
schools, and Social Workers to
offer
first-time
non-violent
juvenile
offenders
the
opportunity to avoid formal petition to the Cook County Juvenile Court. Eligibility in this
program is dependent upon the juvenile’s previous criminal history and their admission of guilt
10
or involvement in the incident. The juvenile is brought in front of a jury of unknown peers and a
sentence is established depending on the severity of the crime, punishment at home, and the
perceived offender’s remorse for their actions. Community service hours are routinely assigned,
and if applicable, a reading or writing assignment. Juveniles are required to check in
periodically for status hearings to ensure their sentences are being fulfilled. Peer Jury continues
to be a successful program and has been proven to reduce repeat offenders. Since inception of
the Peer Jury Program over 400 cases have been referred with a 96% success rate.
Crime Prevention / Community Programs:
The Winnetka Police Department strives to assist its residents with
lowering and preventing crime. The Police Department provides the
following services to residents to assist in these efforts:
Vacation House Watch Program: Residents can contact the nonemergency number or access the Village Website at any time to add
their residence to the Vacation House Watch Program. Once added,
patrol officers will periodically walk the exterior of the residence to
ensure all doors and windows appear secure throughout the homeowner’s absence. Officers
conducted 1,525 vacation checks in 2014.
Burglar Alarm Response: Patrol officers respond to every alarm as if bona fide, and
thoroughly check all windows and doors for evidence of possible tampering. The Police
Department strongly encourages property owners to utilize their burglar alarms to initiate quick
police response. Patrol officers responded to 1,127 burglar alarms in 2014. Most alarms were
non-bonified. False alarm activations can be caused by a multitude of factors to include
malfunctioning alarm sensors, human error, power interruption, and reasons unknown.
Unfortunately, several residences were burglarized where functioning alarms had not been
activated.
Special Watch Database: This database is accessed daily to keep patrol officers informed on
recent traffic concerns, and residences or areas where special patrol attention is needed or may
arise. Victims of recent crimes such as Burglary or on-going Harassment may have their
residences added to the special watch database by the officer who took the initial report. General
areas are added to alert officers of large community events or special private events where traffic
or parking concerns may arise.
Home Security Survey: Residents who would like a Crime Prevention Officer to come to their
home and discuss specific security related issues or answer questions they have about protecting
their residence can contact the Police Department and schedule an appointment.
Crime Opportunity Reduction Education (C.O.R.E) Card: Personnel of the Winnetka Police
Department work together to try to reduce crime and prevent citizens from becoming potential
victims by making them aware of criminal opportunities involving their property. Officers will
often leave a C.O.R.E. card at a residence or business, or on a vehicle, when they feel property is
vulnerable to criminal activity.
11
Traffic:
Traffic enforcement is an important part of a patrol officer’s daily responsibilities. Officers
conducted 1,188 directed traffic patrols in 2014, which involves observing and enforcing a
specific area of concern based on compiled data within the police agency and/or citizen
complaints or concerns. Patrol officers addressed a total of 2,514 observed traffic violations
which resulted in 815 traffic citations and 1,699 traffic warnings issued to motorists.
The graph below depicts the top five enforced traffic offenses and how many citations / warnings
were issued for each offense.
Top Five Traffic Violations 2014
800
700
600
690
678
500
400
300
200
348
319
100
259
220
0
Speeding Sign Violations Lighting
Violations
Violations
Cell Phone Registration /
Violations
Title
Violations
All Others
Residents are encouraged to contact the Police Department and report traffic
areas they personally feel warrant extra police enforcement, such as a
particular stop sign being continually disobeyed, or speeding observed in a
particular area. Patrol officers are assigned to conduct directed enforcement
activity at those locations. The Department may also elect to utilize the speed
trailer to alert drivers of their speed in problematic areas.
Police officers respond to and investigate all reported traffic
crashes. In 2014 there were 321 traffic crashes reported to the
Winnetka Police Department. 91% of the reported crashes were
property damage accidents that did not involve injury. The
remaining were personal injury crashes. Traffic crashes are
classified as “Personal Injury” anytime there is a complaint of
pain and paramedics respond to the scene.
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Traffic:
The table below lists the five most crash prone locations in Winnetka for 2014.
Rank
1 (Tie)
1 (Tie)
2
3(Tie)
3(Tie)
4
5 (Tie)
LOCATION
Green Bay Road & Tower Road
Hibbard Road & Willow Road
500 Block Green Bay Road
Elm Street & Green Bay Road
600 Block Lincoln Avenue
Green Bay Road & Winnetka Avenue
7 Locations
2014
10
10
9
8
8
7
6
Car Seat Installation / Inspection:
The Winnetka Police Department offers child car seat installation / inspection to its residents in
an effort to help keep Winnetka’s children safe when traveling and ensure child safety seats are
properly installed. Please contact the Police Department to schedule an appointment with one of
Winnetka’s certified car seat technicians.
Crimes and Arrests:
The data on the following page provides information about crimes, arrests and other Department
activities. Crimes “Reported” are shown on the left side and “Department Activities” are on the
right side. Although the data is reported side-by-side, it is not possible to draw direct
correlations between offenses and arrests. The classifications of offenses (left side) are defined
by Federal Uniform Crime Reporting rules. Arrest data is calculated by IL Criminal Code
definitions. Other factors make direct correlation inaccurate such as the common occurrence of
one offender being charged with multiple offenses.
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WINNETKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Crimes, Arrests, Citations and Activities, 2012-2014
PART I OFFENSES
REPORTED
2013
2014
1
1
0
0
0
16
81
4
Aggravated Battery
Forcible Rape
Murder
Robbery
Arson
Burglary
Larceny- Theft
Motor Vehicle Theft
TOTAL Part I Offenses
103
PART II OFFENSES
Simple Assault
Curfew and Loitering
Embezzlement
Forgery
Disorderly Conduct
DUI
Drug Offenses
Fraud
Gambling
Liquor Offenses
Family Offenses
Prostitution
Public Drunkenness
Runaways
Sex Offenses
Stolen Property
Vandalism
Weapons Offenses
TOTAL Part II Offenses
6
0
0
1
0
15
113
2
3
0
0
1
0
41
123
3
137
171
REPORTED
2013
2014
5
3
0
1
32
18
56
22
0
28
60
0
0
0
2
1
52
0
289
2012
2012
7
0
0
1
13
24
19
39
0
23
11
0
7
17
1
0
37
0
1
6
0
9
23
37
36
30
0
39
52
0
5
4
0
1
76
0
199
319
CUSTODIAL ARRESTS
No Valid Driver's License
DUI
Suspended/Revoked Driver's License
Hit and Run
Fleeing and Eluding
Cannabis Arrests
Other Drug Arrests
Domestic Battery / Violation O.P.
Theft
Warrant Arrests
Battery
Identity Theft
Criminal Damage to Property
Assault
Burglary
Trespass
Disorderly Conduct/Harassment
Possession of Stolen Property
Other Arrests
TOTAL Custodial Arrests
2014
CITATIONS
Traffic Traffic Citations
Traffic Traffic Warnings
TOTAL Traffic citations/warnings
Ordinance & Animal Violations
Parking Citations
DEPARTMENT SERVICES
Calls for Service
Burglar Alarms
House watch
Directed Traffic Assignments
Special Watches and Checks
Injury Traffic Crashes
Non-Injury Traffic Crashes
TOTAL Traffic Crashes
10
18
21
0
0
6
4
3
7
4
2
1
3
0
3
0
0
1
19
102
2013
2012
22
24
34
1
1
10
7
3
12
5
3
2
0
1
1
0
3
0
8
137
29
37
33
0
0
5
6
4
8
14
1
2
6
1
2
1
6
1
5
161
2014
761
1,702
2,463
129
4,651
2013
2,100
1,134
3,234
140
4,744
2012
1,013
1,904
2,917
168
5,759
2014
7,771
1,127
1,525
1,188
7,567
28
293
321
2013
7,354
1,190
1,587
1,656
6,881
35
289
324
2012
8,068
1,199
1,359
1,199
4,742
31
265
296
Specialty Vehicles:
Winnetka’s unique and varied terrain can pose a challenging environment to police with
traditional patrol vehicles. To allow our officers to fully serve all sections of our community and
be able to respond to any incident in any section we have augmented our existing vehicle fleet
with a range of specialty modes of transport. The Departments fully marked All-Terrain Vehicle
(ATV) allows officers to patrol Winnetka’s numerous parks, beaches and areas of undeveloped
land which would otherwise be inaccessible. In this past year the ATV proved invaluable in the
search for vulnerable missing persons, targeting known crime hot-spots and to assist our
residents during recent bouts of flooding and winter storms.
The Department maintains a Bicycle Patrol Unit with marked police bicycles. The goal of this
unit is to enhance the Police Departments efforts in areas of community relations, crime
prevention, education and respond to calls for assistance. Having our officers on bicycles is a
great way to encourage interaction between the police and our citizens. In addition during special
events such as the July 4th celebrations and the numerous local summer festivals the bike patrol
provides an added police presence which is not always possible for officers in patrol vehicles,
due to terrain and or crowds. Our officers always encourage bicycle safety by setting a good
example, wearing a helmet while riding, obeying traffic laws and interacting with young bike
riders about the importance of bicycle safety.
The Winnetka Police Department currently maintains one Harley-Davidson motorcycle which
can also access areas that are inaccessible to patrol cars as well as an excellent public relations
tool. Officers assigned to the motorcycle have received exhaustive specialty training from
Northwestern University and Harley Davidson. In addition to regular patrol duties motorcycle
officers focus on addressing public traffic safety concerns.
Evidence Technician Unit:
The Evidence Technician (ET) Unit is comprised of
seven members of the Police Department. Evidence
Technicians are required to complete a basic course prior
to being appointed as an Evidence Technician. Advanced
specialized evidence training in various fields to include
photography and fingerprint development and recovery is
continually being utilized by Winnetka’s Evidence
Technicians.
15
Regional Cooperative / Partnerships
Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm
System
The Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System
(ILEAS) is a statewide law enforcement mutual
aid system that was established after September
11th. One call to a designated ILEAS dispatch
center will result in an organized mutual aid
response as large as is necessary which includes
increased equipment as well as increased manpower. An ILEAS call-out can only be initiated
when a law enforcement emergency has exceeded an agencies own capabilities.
The Northern Illinois
Alarm System / NIPAS:
Police
The Winnetka Police Department is an active
member of NIPAS which works to combine over
100 suburban municipal police department efforts
in the Chicago metropolitan area when needed.
NIPAS Emergency Services Team:
The NIPAS
Emergency Services Team (EST) is comprised of personnel highly trained in
special weapons and tactics for hostage / barricade incidents, high-risk
warrant service, major crime scene searches, search and rescue missions,
dignitary protection, and similar tactical incidents. The EST has a fully
equipped mobile command post and armored rescue vehicles. The Winnetka
Police Department has one officer assigned to this team. The team is always
on-call and responds wherever needed when contacted for assistance.
Members of EST, train at least thirty days per year.
NIPAS Mobile Field Force:
NIPAS Mobile Field Force
provides crowd control for incidents such as civil disturbances, public
demonstrations, and other events involving large crowds that could
quickly become disorderly. Similar to NIPAS EST, Mobile Field
Force also attends monthly training to keep team members trained and
prepared.
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NORTAF Major Crimes Task Force:
In 1997,
thirteen north shore suburbs (listed left) formulated the North
Regional Major Crimes Task Force to assist member
communities with significant criminal investigations that exceed
an agency’s resources. The Major Crimes Task Force currently
investigates homicides, kidnapping, and critical school violence
incidents. Each of the member departments supplies personnel,
expertise, equipment and support. This unit, in addition to
responding to call-outs, maintains training to further educate and
enhance skill level of all involved personnel. The Task Force
consists of administrative / support personnel, investigative
personnel, and forensic specialists. The Winnetka Police Department assigns personnel to this
unit. They assisted NORTAF with a total of seven Homicides and 2 suicide investigations in
2014. In July 2014 NORTAF responded to Winnetka to assist in a suspicious death investigation
although this case was later ruled as a tragic suicide.
NORTAF Burglary Task Force:
The Burglary Task Force addresses current
burglary patterns affecting member communities. The Task Force is comprised of administrative
/ support personnel, investigators, and forensic specialists. The Burglary Task Force is activated
when any of the thirteen member agencies observe a residential or commercial burglary pattern
occurring in their area. The Winnetka Police Department currently has two officers assigned to
this Task Force as needed.
North Regional Major Crash
Assistance Team
The NORTAF Major Crash Assistance Team
(MCAT) was developed to assist member agencies
with the investigation of fatal or near fatal motor
vehicle crashes. MCAT provides a rapid response
and thorough professional crash investigation for
all major crashes occurring in the thirteen
NORTAF communities. Winnetka currently has
two officers assigned to MCAT as crash
investigators.
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Northeastern Illinois
Training Academy:
Public
Safety
The Winnetka Police Department is a member of the
Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy
(NIPSTA) which provides a cooperative approach to
emergency preparedness and response. Located on twenty
acres in Glenview, NIPSTA currently has thirty-three member
agencies that can enjoy a year round curriculum. For police
members NIPSTA provides training in a wide array of
subjects to include: tactical driving training, multiple levels of forensic training, and a variety of
tactical scenario-based training. In scenario-based training officers are placed in several
different unknown situations, some may be routine, while others are high risk.
Northeastern Illinois Crime Laboratory:
The Winnetka Police Department is a member of the nationally accredited
Northeastern Illinois Crime Laboratory (NICPL). NICPL is a full
functioning crime laboratory that offers a wide variety of analysis to
include: Forensic Biology (DNA), Chemistry, Fingerprint and Footwear
Analysis, Toxicology, and much more. This partnership is a valuable
resource providing the Winnetka Police Department with the ability to
have their collected crime scene evidence processed and analyzed in a
timely manner.
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Recognitions
Employee Welcomes:
The effectiveness of an organization lies in the engagement of its employees. At the Winnetka
Police Department we strive to attract, develop and retain key talent. Our employees are
encouraged to engage with the community in order to provide the utmost level of service. In
2014 we welcomed 2 new Officers to our ranks that were sworn in as Probationary Police
Officers. Since attending police academies and passing the State of Illinois Peace Officer written
certification examination they have gone on to participate in a comprehensive Field Training
Officer program. Our newest officers are assigned to work with experienced Field Training
Officers who provide mentorship critical during this training phase before graduating and
starting solo patrol.
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2014 Community Highlights
Law Enforcement Torch Run:
Winnetka Police Officers participated in the 2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting the
Special Olympics. This was the 28th annual run and almost $3.8 million dollars was raised
statewide for the Special Olympics. One leg of the 2014 Torch Run came through Winnetka
along Green Bay Road. Our neighboring agencies also participate in this event annually.
ScreenBreak (Formerly TV Tune-Out):
The Winnetka Police Department took part in the 20th Annual ScreenBreak Week, which ran
March 1st through March 7th. Formerly known as TV Tune Out, this program started in
Winnetka in 1995 and has quickly expanded to surrounding communities. ScreenBreak Week is
supported by area schools and merchants and was created to encourage families to spend time
and experience new activities together. An event schedule is provided for the week offering a
wide assortment of fun activities, crafts, and local discounts for children of all ages. The event
guide includes a visit to the Winnetka Police Department where children can talk to a police
officer, ask questions, and receive a complimentary gift bag.
2014 Winnetka Police & Fire Annual Open
House:
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Winnetka Police and Fire Departments once again joined together for the Annual Public Safety
Open House in October. This highly anticipated event is always a crowd pleaser. Citizens are
welcomed into the Police Department for tours of the Communications Center, lock-up, the
firing range, and the fitness center. An assortment of police vehicles are also on display for
children and their parents to experience first-hand. There are a wide variety of activities and
complimentary souvenirs that are enjoyed by all.
Winnetka Neighborhood Block Parties:
The Winnetka Police Department understands the importance of knowing your neighbors and the
impact neighbors can have on identifying criminal activity occurring in their neighborhood. The
Winnetka Police Department strongly encourages neighborhoods to come together and
participate in annual block parties. Officers enjoy attending these events to meet local residents
in a social setting. This also gives Officers the opportunity to show children their police vehicles
and answer any questions they may have regarding a police officer’s role in the community.
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