Our 73rd President Mitchell R. Davis III - MAY 2021 Volume 1 Issue 1 - Illinois Association of ...
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MAY 2021 Volume 1 Issue 1 COMMAND The Official Publication of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Our 73rd President Mitchell R. Davis III ★★★ ★★★ KENNY WINSLOW IS CHIEF OF THE YEAR MASSIVE REFORM BILL SIGNED: NOW WHAT?
COMMAND The Official Publication of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police 426 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62701 Phone (217) 523-3765 — Toll-Free (877) 244-3345 — Fax (217) 523-8352 Volume 1 Issue 1• May 2021 www.ilchiefs.org Welcome to the ILACP’s May 2021 COMMAND magazine. ILACP BOARD OF OFFICERS MAY 2021 Volume 1 Issue 1 « « « PRESIDENT Mitchell R. Davis III, Chief of Police, Hazel Crest COMMAND The Official Publication of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police On the Cover: Hazel Crest Chief Mitchell R. Davis III is Our 73rd President Mitchell R. Davis III the 73rd president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of 1ST VICE PRESIDENT ★★★ Police. Due to the pandemic, he was installed April 30, Lou Jogmen, Chief of Police, Highland Park 2021, in a private ceremony at Homewood-Flossmoor 2ND VICE PRESIDENT High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. The other picture shows Laura King, Chief of Police, McHenry County him allowing a girl to wear his hat in a local store while Conversation District having her picture taken with the chief. If restrictions on 3RD VICE PRESIDENT gatherings loosen, Davis will preside over the Annual Marc Maton, Chief of Police, Lemont Awards Banquet on Friday, August 20, in the Tinley Park PAST PRESIDENT Convention Center. His first presidential message begins James R. Black, Chief of Police, Crystal Lake ★★★ on page 3. Kenny WinsloW is Chief of the year VICE PRESIDENT AT-LARGE – REGION 1 Massive reforM bill signed: noW What? Dan Ryan, Chief of Police, Leland Grove « « « VICE PRESIDENT AT-LARGE – REGION 2 2021_ILACP_May_FC_BC_IFC_IBC_2.indd 1 5/4/21 12:17 PM Dean Stiegemeier, Chief of Police, Maple Park From the President: Initial reflections through my lens.................................................3 VICE PRESIDENT AT-LARGE – REGION 3 From Ed: I wish I had THE ANSWER to all that’s going on..............................................7 Shanon Gillette, Chief of Police, Downers Grove Three new members on Board of Officers.......................................................................8 PARLIAMENTARIAN A prosecutor’s view: How police can help bring justice...............................................10 Frank Kaminski Chief of Police, Park Ridge Raoul, Windhorst are Public Officials of the Year..........................................................13 ILACP STAFF VP Laura King has new book on officer safety.............................................................14 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ed Wojcicki A tribute to retiring Parliamentarian Russ Laine...........................................................16 COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Reflections by Gary Schira.........................................................................................18 Vacant ASSISTANT BUSINESS MANAGER Reflections by Steve Casstevens...............................................................................19 Carmen Kent Legislative Update: Implementing the SAFE-T Act........................................................20 PROJECT DIRECTOR Krista Kolis 3 tips for improving employee engagement..................................................................22 ASSISTANT TO EXEC. DIRECTOR Springfield’s Winslow is Chief of the Year.....................................................................25 Karen Fagg LOBBYIST List of new members......................................................................................................28 John Millner From the Past President: Reflections on the Past Year.................................................32 ILEAP COORDINATOR Jeff Hamer The COMMAND magazine is published by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, 426 S. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62701. The magazine has been jointly produced and created by the staff of ILACP and Seaglass Design. The entire contents of the magazine are subject to copyright protection and cannot be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. All submissions for articles and ad placements are subject to acceptance and editing of ILACP. Copyright ©2021. All rights reserved. 1 M AY 2 0 2 1
ILACP EXECUTIVE BOARD 2021-2022 BOARD OF OFFICERS I L L I N O I S A S S O C I A T I ODIVERSITY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS N OF CHIEFS OF POLICE See list on the previous page. Phil Arnold (Wilmington) Christopher Fletcher (Calumet City) The Board of Officers is part of the Kristen Ziman (Aurora), co-chair RETIRED PAST PRESIDENTS Executive Board. Patrick O’Connor (Moraine Valley Community EDUCATION AND PROGRAMS College) Ray Cordell (Oakwood Hills) ACTIVE PAST PRESIDENTS Brian Fengel (Bartonville) ETHICS James R. Black (Crystal Lake) Russell Laine (Algonquin) Russell Laine (Algonquin, Ret.) Steven Stelter (Indian Head Park) Raymond Rose (Mundelein) Gary Schira (Batavia, Ret.) James R. Kruger, Jr. (Oak Brook) Gary Schira (Batavia) FINANCIAL & STRATEGIC PLANNING Steven Casstevens (Buffalo Grove) Eric C. Smith (Sherman) John Furcon (Consultant), co-chair Frank Kaminski (Park Ridge) Lawrence Burnson (Homewood) David Bradford (Northwestern University Fred W. Hayes (Elwood) R.T. Finney (Champaign) Center for Public Safety), co-chair Robert Porter (Huntley) I. Joe Pena (Channahon) David Weigand (Crestwood) Robert D. Jones (Gurnee) FUNERAL ASSISTANCE TEAM F. Thomas Braglia (Elmwood Park) Chief John Konopek (Plainfield) APPOINTED EXECUTIVE BOARD David Bradford (Glen Carbon) LEGAL MEMBERS Douglas Hayse (Minooka) Donald Zoufal (attorney) SERVE UNTIL APRIL 2021 Charles Gruber (Elgin) LEGISLATIVE & POLITICAL ACTION (PAC) Steve Bein (Fisher) Don Slazinik (O’Fallon) Chief Marc Maton (Lemont) John Bucci (Algonquin) Darrell Sanders (Frankfort) Steve Evans (Collinsville) John Millner (Elmhurst) MEMBERSHIP Nick Gailius (Madison) James Roche (St. Charles) Chief Thomas Coppotelli (Caseyville) Tim Larem (Berkeley) Roger Richards (Fairview Heights) NOMINATING COMMITTEE Michael Lay (Villa Park) George Graves (Downers Grove) Chief James R. Black (Crystal Lake) Chris Mannino (Park Forest) Robert Bonneville (Prospect Heights) OFFICER WELLNESS COMMITTEE Steve Vaccaro (Mokena) Charles McDonald (SIU-Edwardsville) Dr. Robert Marsh (West Frankfort), co-chair Shane Woody (Belvidere) Michael Haeger (Wheeling) M.E. “Duke” Gorris (Orland Park) PAST PRESIDENTS SERVE UNTIL APRIL 2022 [List shows Agency at time of retirement; Chief Gary Schira (Batavia, Ret.), Chief Ray John Birk (McHenry) excludes Deceased Past Presidents] Rose (Mundelein, Ret.), and Chief Charles Brendan Heffner (U.S. Marshal, Central Illinois) McDonald (SIU-Edwardsville, Ret.) LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN Jay Keeven (Edwardsville) DIRECTOR POLICE AND CITIZEN AWARDS Scott Mettille (Chillicothe) Steven Stelter (Indian Head Park) Chief Mike Gillette (Round Lake) Eric Van Hook (O’Fallon) Tom Weitzel (Riverside) HONORARY EXECUTIVE BOARD POLICE MEMORIAL David Wermes (Wauconda) MEMBERS Lt. Dan Watton (Rockford) Malcolm White (Sauk Village) Director Brendan Kelly (Illinois State Police) PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION Kristen Ziman (Aurora) Superintendent David Brown (Chicago Police Chief Patrick Rollins (Sugar Grove) Department) PR/CONTENT STRATEGY SERVE UNTIL APRIL 2023 COMMITTEES AND CHAIRS DC Andy Johnson (Hanover Park) Anthony Cobb (Champaign) COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY Demitrous Cook (Evanston) Craig Allen (Illinois State Police, Ret.), co-chair PUBLIC & PRIVATE POLICE LIAISON Christopher Fletcher (Calumet City) Harry Masse (Metropolis), co-chair Paul Ohm, CPP (P4 Security Solutions) Christopher Mannino (Park Forest) CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS & RESOLUTIONS SMALL AGENCY Denise McGrath (Homewood) Phil Smith (Montgomery) Steve Bein (Fisher) Kenton Rainey (University of Chicago) TRAFFIC SAFETY LaDon Reynolds (Oak Park) Ron Davis (Metra RR Police) Valdimir Talley (Maywood) Roy Wells (Robbins) Kenneth Winslow (Springfield) Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Mission Statement We promote the professional and personal development of our members through innovative services, training, and camaraderie. We make a positive impact on the quality of life in the communities we serve through proactive leadership in: Vision and Innovative Change Knowledge and Information Legislation Dissemination Ethics and Integrity Media Relations Professional Standards Community Partnerships M AY 2 0 2 1 2
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E DIFFERENCES DON’T HAVE TO RISE TO THE LEVEL OF OPPOSITION, NOR DO THEY HAVE TO BE ADVERSARIAL IN NATURE By Chief Mitchell R. Davis III ILACP President PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Davis when he was being sworn in as 1st Vice President in 2020 in Crystal Lake. I am truly blessed and humbled respond with three words: diversity, inclusion, and representation. to have been bestowed with While I have other initiatives and focuses that will be a part of my the honor of serving as your administration, the one theme that I will continuously focus on is president for the coming year. that “differences don’t have to rise to the level of opposition, nor As a man of faith, I truly view do they have to be adversarial in nature.” this as an assignment and a blessing from God. Becoming As your president, it is my responsibility to provide equitable a police officer in 1991 was leadership for all members of our organization, and I do not never a part of the plan that I take this responsibility lightly. As a law enforcement leader, it is had for my life. It was an abrupt my responsibility to strive for what I believe is best for both our and unexpected change from profession and all communities that we serve. Just as every other one of our presidents has done before me, I will lead through the Chief Mitchell R. Davis III my profession at the time as a view of my personal leadership lens. Each one of us as individuals computer programmer. I took on the challenge of moving from possess unique life experiences that create the lens by which we years in a corporate environment to the world of policing with operate in life, both personally and professionally. That is why excitement and uncertainty. diversity is so important. Exposure to diversity allows for us to experience life through the many differing lenses that exist. When The mindset that I operate by when faced with challenges in life is exposed to diversity on a regular basis, experiencing differing to adapt and excel. Thirty years after being directed to this noble perspectives is not as disconcerting. I once heard a colleague profession, becoming the president of Illinois Association of Chiefs honestly ask, “What would a Black chief have to say about reforms of Police is confirmation that this is a blessing. Being the first in policing that would be different from what a White chief would Black president in our organization’s 80-year history, during this say?” That sincere question reinforced my belief that diversity time of racial reconning, and with the current level of demands for can provide a firsthand view of differences. Through diversity, we criminal justice reform, is not a coincidence. It is confirmation of position ourselves to grow and better understand that “differences this being an assignment. I am sure that some wonder what the don’t have to rise to the level of opposition, nor do they have to be big deal is about being the first Black president. To them I would adversarial in nature.” 3 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E As a law enforcement leader, it is my responsibility to strive for what I believe is best for both our profession and all communities that we serve. This historic presidency is not about me. It is about the refreshing I am now that same leader who was elected 3rd Vice President. inclusivity of this great organization. When I was elected as 3rd Vice I have not changed. The environment in which we are operating President, I believe that I was elected because my peers from across has changed. There are and will be those who do not agree with the State of Illinois saw me as a professional who they wanted to some of the views that my lens presents, and there will be some eventually lead this organization. At that time, I had already written who simply do not care. To those that do care, I hope that you will The Reality that Creates the Perception: An African-American better understand that “differences don’t have to rise to the level Law Enforcement Executive’s View of the Relationship Between opposition, nor do they have to be adversarial in nature.” Law Enforcement and the African-American Community, and it had been published in the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and When in any relationship, there are going to be disagreements Standards Board Executive Institute’s “Law Enforcement Executive and differences of opinion. Productive relationships require extra Forum.” I had also written Leadership in Law Enforcement’s work and sometimes require you to make concessions that may Responsibility on Bias, From a Black Chief’s Perspective, and it be uncomfortable. There will also be times in a relationship that had been published in the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police you may have to respectfully agree to disagree. The reason that Association’s Command magazine. I was also an active participant we are willing to do the things necessary to maintain productive in the efforts around the development and implementation of our relationships is that there is a level of constructive necessity and/ groundbreaking efforts with the NAACP to put the Ten Shared or caring between the involved parties. An element of productive Principles into place. My words and actions in these areas are conflict resolution is developing the ability to “fight fair.” Fighting a direct result of the personal and professional lens by which I fair does not mean that you do not stand up for what you believe in. operate. With these existing knowns about me, a majority of voters Fighting fair focuses on attacking the issue at hand, not the person. in our membership trusted me enough as a professional to elect People are entitled to feel the way that they feel, and that feeling me to a leadership position within this organization. is based on their life experiences and resulting perspectives. People who choose to fight fair do so when they want to preserve Davis (left) and Past President Steven Stelter (right) represented the Illinois Chiefs when Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle (second from right) and the Forest Preserves of Cook County signed on to the Ten Shared Principles early in 2021. M AY 2 0 2 1 4
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E Davis was instrumental in getting NOBLE at the national level to adopt Chief Davis in the Illinois State Capitol on Lobby Day. Davis in 2019 the Ten Shared Principles in 2018 at the national convention in Florida. with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton (center) and ILACP lobbyist Davis holds the principles with NOBLE President Clarence E. Cox III. John Millner. a relationship in spite of their differences. The desired preservation The definition of reform is positive change. Change is a prerequisite of a relationship may be due to the need for collaboration on future for growth and adaptation. Change can be scary, and it can be endeavors, or it may simply be out of respect for others involved. uncomfortable. As your president, I will work toward fighting My leadership style is such that seeks to maintain as many healthy for productive change, collaborating during the development and productive relationships as possible. As such, I will always of change, and leading our profession in adaptation after the fight for my beliefs and for the rights of those for whom I am implementation of change. I will do this while keeping in mind that responsible. While fighting in the leadership roles that I possess, I “differences don’t have to rise to the level of opposition, nor do choose to fight fair because I believe that “differences don’t have they have to be adversarial in nature.” to rise to the level of opposition, nor do they have to be adversarial in nature.” I will leave you with this thought that my leadership in law enforcement is grounded in. Being “pro-police” should not mean Several events over this past year have impacted our profession being “anti-community,” and being “pro-community” should not in a manner that has resulted in heightened calls for change. The mean being “anti-police.” I will not stop believing that there is greatest cries for change have come from communities of color. common ground in the middle in which we all can work together Communities of color are now demanding changes that ensure to coexist. ■ equitable treatment by law enforcement for of all of its members, in addition to greater accountability for those in law enforcement that do not comply with these demands. Law enforcement often labels individuals, organizations, and institutions that suggest that law enforcement reforms are necessary as being “anti-police.” While we know that there are certain members of every section of society that do not like law enforcement, the vast majority of people who desire reforms simply seek systems and encounters that make the “realities that create their perceptions” empathetic and equitable. Even in the communities with high rates of crime, most of the people who live there are law-abiding citizens. Those citizens want law enforcement in their communities to address the challenges that they face more than anyone, but they do not want us there further victimizing the community through abuse of power. They do not want crime fighting at any cost. Empathetic, problem-solving policing allows us to effectively address the ills that present themselves in all communities by remembering that “differences don’t have to rise to the level of opposition, nor do Chief Davis was among law enforcement officers giving medals at the they have to be adversarial in nature.” Special Olympics Summer Games in Bloomington in 2019. 5 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E FEELING SURROUNDED, SO LET’S FIND OUR WAY OUT TOGETHER By Ed Wojcicki Executive Director, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police I wish I had the answer. I mean THE ANSWER • We are watching about a hundred new bills still alive in this spring to everything that is being talked about today. legislative session. Law enforcement professionals are feeling Honoring our history unfairly bruised all over the state of Illinois. In response we can whine or we can lead, and I The installation of a new Board of Officers always brings a few changes. know we’re built to lead. New to the Board of Officers are: Past President James R. Black set the right hief Marc Maton, Lemont, 3rd Vice President and in line to become •C tone all year long by reminding me that he tries ILACP President in 2024. to focus on the positive and to stay away from hief Shanon Gillette, Downers Grove, Vice President at-Large, Region 1. •C skunks. What he said at the December Executive hief Frank Kaminski, Park Ridge, Parliamentarian •C Board meeting is worth remembering: “Keep your spirits up. Our profession is resilient, and At the same time, I want to thank those whose terms expired at the end of we overcome, and we will get through this. And keep the spirits up for your April: officers as well.” •W illiam Kushner, recently retired as Des Plaines’ chief, who served two I translate that in my day-to-day work as focusing on what we can actually terms as VP at-Large in Region 1. It was an experiment to create these do and how we can do it. at-large VP positions, and Kushner did it right, being highly visible and highly vocal on behalf of all of us. What we have said • Chief Rob Copley, Quincy, longtime sergeant-at-arms. Sometimes I hear complaints from the gallery that the Illinois Chiefs are not saying enough to defend law enforcement. I agree we can always do more. etired Chief Russell Laine, who stepped down as Parliamentarian for •R But did you know we have been in the news a lot this year and have issued health reasons. Inside this issue beginning on page 15, we have a four- many statements and updates as the barrage of anti-police sentiment page tribute to this wise and great leader. covers the nation? You can find all of this on our website from our main • And these chiefs whose terms on the Executive Board ended: John Bucci menu on the home page: (Algonquin), Steve Evans (Collinsville), Nick Gailius (Madison), Tim Larem • “Newsroom/ILACP in the News”: More than 30 times already this year we (Berkeley), Michael Lay (Villa Park) and Shane Woody (Belvidere). have been quoted or filmed in major media in Illinois, from Chicagoland to Thanks to all of them for their selfless service. It is important that we St. Louis to Carbondale. honor our history and the chiefs who have served the profession and this • “Newsroom/Press Releases and Other Statements”: More than a dozen association for many years. That is why I recognize them here. statements about HB 3653, the SAFE-T Act, Chief of the Year, and more. Speaking of our history, it is noteworthy that we just installed our first black We want people to know the bad effects of this law, and you can direct president, Chief Mitchell R. Davis III of Hazel Crest. This issue highlights his them to our website. background and his approach to the presidency beginning on page 3. • “Police Reform 2021 Resource Center” is on our home page. It’s a big red I also want to mention that we are planning only two issues of Command horizontal button that directs you to nearly 20 updates, fact sheets and magazine this year instead of four. Our revenue was down considerably talking points about the anti-police law. Share them, please, with your last year because we could not have our Annual Conference or Expo, and local officials and state legislators. we’re managing the association’s finances prudently until the grip of the pandemic loosens. Finally, remember that I do what I do because you have shown that you love this profession, and the association exists only to be of support to you. I admire the way Chief Black just led us through a most turbulent year, and I look forward to President Davis’s energetic leadership in the next year. I am confident that he will lead us with distinction into a future that is certain Next steps to be different. Why my confidence? Because we’re in this together and we • We are advocating for a trailer bill – also known as a cleanup bill -- to fix have each other’s backs. ■ the biggest problems with this law. We hope the trailer bill gets passed in the next few weeks, and we are working on that from several angles, led by Chiefs Marc Maton and James R. Kruger, Jr. • We are providing some training about the new law. 7 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E A NEW LOOK ON THE BOARD OF OFFICERS Three of the nine members of the Board of Officers are new in 2021- Kwame Raoul’s working group on legislation for Law Enforcement 2022 and were installed on April 30, 2021, in a private ceremony in Licensing. Flossmoor. The Annual Conference was postponed for the second Chief Davis was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to serve as a straight year due to the pandemic. member of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Chief Mitchell R. Davis III of Hazel Crest was installed as our 73rd (Illinois’ P.O.S.T.) and was elected by ILETSB board membership to serve president. New to the Board of Officers are two vice presidents who as its current chairman. were unopposed and a new parliamentarian appointed by President Chief Davis serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Davis: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and is a member of its ★ Chief Marc Maton, Lemont, new 3rd Vice President. He is in line to Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Committee. become ILACP president in April 2024, following Chief Lou Jogmen in Chief Davis is the Immediate Past President for the South Suburban 2022 and Chief Laura King in 2023. Association of Chiefs of Police (SSACOP) and as chairman of the Training ★ Chief Shanon Gillette, Downers Grove, new VP at-Large, Region 3 Committee. (northeastern Illinois). He will serve a three-year term. Chief Davis was the National Recording Secretary for the National ★ Chief Frank Kaminski, Park Ridge, new Parliamentarian Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) from 2017 Below are bios of these four men. – 2020 and is still a member of the National Education and Training Committee. He is also a Past Chapter President and current Executive Board member of the Chicagoland Metropolitan Chapter of NOBLE. Chief President Mitchell R. Davis III Davis also serves on the Board of Directors for the South Suburban Family Shelter, which provides services for families displaced because Mitchell R. Davis III is currently of domestic violence. the Chief of Police for the Village of Hazel Crest. He started his law Chief Davis is an Executive Board Member of Illinois’ Fight Crime: enforcement career in 1991. In Invest in Kids, which advocates for early childhood education, and he 2001, he took his first position was recently appointed to its National Leadership Council. He serves as as chief of police and has served the chairman for the Southland Juvenile Justice Council, which seeks as chief of police in two other to divert juveniles in south suburban Cook County from the criminal departments before going to Hazel justice system. He is a member of the Chicago NBC 5 Community Action Crest. Chief Davis is in his 12th Board. He served as a representative for NOBLE as a law enforcement year as a Chief of Police. advisor for Northeastern University’s (Boston) Addressing the Trust Gap: Historical Injustices and Present Policing Project. Chief Davis is currently completing his dissertation on The Effect of Chief Davis is a certified trainer and facilitator for NOBLE’s “The Law Police Culture on Their Relationship and Your Community” program. He developed and taught life-skills with the Black Community for his classes for the Nike Corporation for 13 years to professional basketball PhD in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University of Chicago. prospects. He has developed and teaches a life-skills program for inner- He also holds a Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the city young men of color who are HIV positive, gay, and homeless. He was University of Cincinnati, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Governors a guest presenter at Governors State University for 10 years and was an State University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University’s instructor in the Criminal Justice Department for Westwood College. He School of Police Staff and Command, class #182. also served as a Police Liaison Officer for 27 years at south suburban Chicago high schools. Chief Davis was recognized as the 2018 Police Chief of the Year by the Illinois State Crime Commission and in 2019 he received the Jefferson An author of several magazine articles, Chief Davis frequently travels Award for Lifetime Achievement in Public Service. Chief Davis served as the country as a guest speaker and trainer for entities that include s subject matter expert for the evaluation of the Louisville Metropolitan NOBLE, IACP, ILACP, Alabama Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Police Department after the killing of Breonna Taylor. Summit, the United States Capitol Police, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Atlanta Police Department Command Staff, Congressional In addition to his elected Board position for the ILACP, Chief Davis has Black Caucus, as well as others. He has also developed and presents served as a representative on Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton’s Justice, classes that include, “Leadership in Law Enforcement from a Black Equity, and Opportunity Initiative, which addresses criminal justice Chief’s Perspective,” “Law Enforcement and the Minority Community” reform. He also served as a representative on Illinois Attorney General and “Courageous, Inclusive Leadership in Law Enforcement.” M AY 2 0 2 1 8
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E Chief Davis is married and has four adult children and four grandchildren. philosophical ethics in professional settings. He has He is a man who is led by his faith in God in all aspects of his life. In his a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration free time, he is an avid boater, and he loves to travel. He is also a proud from Lewis University, and a bachelor’s degree in member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Management from Benedictine University. Chief Gillette is a graduate of the 263rd Session of the FBI National Academy and the 252nd Session of Northwestern University’s School Chief Maton, 3rd Vice President of Police Staff and Command. He is the proud recipient of Northwestern Chief Marc Maton began his law University’s Franklin M. Kreml Leadership Award. enforcement career as an Illinois Chief Gillette has served on the ILACP Executive Board, the Education State Police trooper in 1986. From and Programs Committee, and the Legislative and Political Action 1988 through 2003, his primary Committee. He is also an adjunct instructor in the Public Safety assignments were in drug units Administration program at Lewis University. and multi-jurisdictional task forces. In 2003, he was given the Chief Gillette has been married to his wife, Debi, for twenty years. They Command of Zone 3 in Joliet. In have two children. 2009, he was appointed as the Chief of Field Operations. In 2012, Chief Kaminski, he was appointed Deputy Director Parliamentarian of the Illinois State Police, where he served until his retirement in Frank Kaminski, chief of police in December 2014. Park Ridge since 2009, has spent his career immersing himself in In January 2015, Maton was appointed Chief of Police for the Lemont the communities he serves. He Police Department. Chief Maton is currently the Chairman of the has an extensive background Legislative Committee for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. in community policing/problem He is Past President of the IRMA Police Chiefs Steering Committee solving, school-community and is an Executive Board member of the Illinois Drug Enforcement relations, accreditation, media Officers Association and the Illinois Homicide Investigators Association. relations, enhanced 911, criminal Maton currently serves on the Executive Board of the Illinois Security and internal investigations, Professionals Association and on the IACP Narcotics and Dangerous financial management, and labor Drug Committee. relations. Maton was the Illinois Crime Commission Police Chief of the Year in He was president of the Illinois 2017. In 2019 he received the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Association of Chiefs of Police in 2015-2016, serves as the ILACP Presidents Award and was honored as the Illinois Association of Chiefs foundation president, and has remained very active as an ILACP assessor Police Chief of the Year in 2020. and on the Public Private Committee. Maton has a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a As Evanston’s police chief from 1996-2006, he rebuilt systems of Master’s in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois public trust through a Citizens Police Academy, Chief’s Advisory Board, University. He is married with three sons and resides in Plainfield, Illinois. Evanston Citizens Police Association, Police Chaplain-Clergy Team, and other partnerships. He then served for three years as the Public Safety Chief Gillette, VP at-Large, Director for the Evanston Township High School, where he instituted a Region 3 Positive Presence Program engaging the school and the community and he developed and implemented violence reduction strategies to reduce Chief Shanon Gillette has served gang-related incidents. as Chief of Police for the Village of Downers Grove since 2018. Chief He has degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago and Roosevelt Gillette began his career at the University, and he has continued his education at the FBI National Downers Grove Police Department Academy, Harvard’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and in 1993 and has served in a variety Northwestern’s Executive Institute for Chiefs of Police and Kellogg of positions, including community- Management Institute. oriented policing officer, field He is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Park Ridge and Evanston; training officer, detective, patrol founding member and past president of the International Police Planners sergeant, administrative sergeant, Association; a life member of the NAACP; an assessor in top-rated patrol lieutenant, lieutenant of accreditation programs; and an adjunct instructor and several colleges investigations, and deputy chief of and universities. ■ administration. Chief Gillette holds a PhD in Leadership Studies from Johnson University. Chief Gillette’s research interests include the practical application of 9 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E A prosecutor’s view: What police can learn about evidence and clear report writing to bring offenders to justice By Steve Scheller I am a prosecutor. My life has been touched threw her cell phone and other items to the ground and hit her in the face. by the many victims of crime. I have sat As a prosecutor I expect the police to document the wife’s statement on with them in my office, in their homes, body camera or on video, or with a handwritten or signed statement. Will the hallways of the courthouse and the that be enough to convince 12 jurors that the husband is guilty beyond a courtrooms. I have laughed with them, cried reasonable doubt? In most cases, no. I want photographs of the injuries, with them and held their hands as they the broken cell phone, and the crime scene with items scattered about summoned the courage and strength to the house. I want the 911 call made by the wife showing her emotions face the people who have, in so many ways, and her fear. This backs up (corroborates) her story. affected their lives. Below is a short list of things the police can collect to help make the I feel inspired by their courage, their cases better: strength, their faith and love. I do not know • Statements: from all victims and witnesses what it feels like to be a victim of a violent and horrible crime. But I have heard their stories and I have seen their grief. I have seen their joy and • 911 calls: from the victim or witnesses their humanity. They have affected me in so many powerful ways. • Photographs: injuries, the crime scene, etc. I would not have had the opportunity to help so many wonderful and • Physical evidence: clothing, weapons, spent cartridge cases, etc. courageous people without the help and assistance of the dedicated • Cellular phones: text messages, calls, etc. men and women of law enforcement. I have heard this, “Heroes do not wear capes.” I know that what you do each and every day is more than • Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat just a job or to pay bills. • Video/ camera surveillance from neighbors, businesses, street As a prosecutor, I rely and depend on the work you do in our communities cameras, etc. to help crime victims find justice. Let me say that in a different way – if • Crime laboratory: fingerprints, DNA, blood and urine tests. officers bring me all the evidence in a case (and none is suppressed), my job is easy. If officers do not bring me all the evidence or some evidence • Medical records: victims and defendants. is suppressed, my job can be a horror show, especially if it is a big case. Most importantly – investigators MUST get a statement from the So I am reminded of what we can all do to help those victims. We always suspect(s). That means the police must know how to obtain a statement want to get better and want to improve the way we do our jobs. All constitutionally. Officers need to know when Miranda rights apply and prosecutors and officers should partner to create the best cases we when they absolutely must be given to a suspect. Officers must also possibly can. know that statements must be freely and voluntarily given. I have a short list of ways that we can all continue to do better for our This is by no means an exhaustive list. Hopefully, it is a starting point to departments, for our communities, for our neighbors and for the victims get us all thinking and doing and improving on the way investigations of crime: are handled. INVESTIGATIONS: SEARCH AND SEIZURE: Almost ALL officers believe that probable cause (PC) is the same standard I am amazed that many attorneys (and judges) have so little understanding as charging as case. While PC does allow you to make an arrest, etc., it of basic 4th Amendment law. I have seen prosecutors dismiss cases is not enough for me to charge a case. Most prosecutors will not charge because they wrongly believed that the police officer did not have a right a case without proof beyond a reasonable doubt – as the case rarely to stop or search a person. I have seen officers who made mistakes and gets better after that – and sometimes gets worse. made unlawful searches. While those are the minority of cases, we can all do better. Remember, I must prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. That is the highest burden of proof in our country. My Police officers: You need to know this area of the law BETTER than ability to do that depends in large part on the investigation done by the judges and prosecutors. You must make split-second decisions all the police. time on the street and do not have the luxury, or often the ability, to call a prosecutor and get advice. What can the police do to make certain that occurs? It is not just taking a statement from the victim and any witnesses. Corroboration is the key. While police officers get some basic training on 4th Amendment law, By that I mean: what other evidence can I offer to show jurors that what this needs to be an ongoing education. Many lawsuits filed against the victim tells them is true, honest and worthy of belief? police officers involve claimed 4th Amendment violations. The courts are publishing decisions every week that change or clarify search and For instance, the police get a 911 call for a domestic battery. The wife seizure law. You need to be aware of these decisions and exactly what says that her husband came home drunk, got into an argument with her, the courts say in these opinions. M AY 2 0 2 1 10
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E I would highly recommend that your local state’s attorney’s office Police officers should not write opinions. For instance, if you were talking conduct trainings on a regular basis throughout the year. This training to a witness and you thought he was being evasive or not truthful, you would inform the police on decisions, trends and updates in the law. would not write in your reports that the witness was “being evasive.” You need to insist that these trainings occur for your entire department. That is an opinion. You would write that while talking with the witness he REPORT WRITING: looked at the ground, kept his arms folded across the chest, etc. In other words, write about the facts. What did the witness say and do? Often police officers do not understand the critical importance of the reports that they write. I have seen cases won and cases lost because of You should also be careful not to include conclusions in your police the quality of the police reports that officers have written. reports. I almost lost a case years ago because the first officer on the scene formed an opinion about how a suspect made entry into a home. Do not underestimate the importance of clear, concise and accurate He immediately formed a conclusion that the burglar could not have police reports. Do not get into a habit or routine of thinking that what entered the home from the broken kitchen window, which was obviously you write down on paper will have no significance. Every time you “put the only way entry could have been made. He included that opinion in pen to paper” you should remember these basic rules: his police report. Simple, clear language: Our theory of the case was that this defendant had been committing Many times, I have to catch myself from “talking” like a lawyer. Lawyers several burglaries to homes in a certain area. The evidence was clear often think that using complex and “big” words makes them look smarter that his method of getting into a home was to break a rear window of the and will impress people. It is exactly the opposite. Lawyers, particularly home (away from the front of the home and usually in a dark backyard). trial lawyers, need to tell a jury a story in simple words and by using It became an uphill battle with the defense attorney, who argued to the simple language. Lawyers need to connect with jurors so jurors can jury that our theory was wrong and even the police disagreed with it! trust them and understand what the lawyer is asking them to do. The Luckily, we were able to show that our theory was correct. exact thing is true for police officers when they write reports. Knowledge of your reports For instance, if you were telling a neighbor over the fence about your day, You need to know your reports inside and out and better than anyone would you say, “I made a traffic stop on a motor vehicle. I subsequently else. Officers are often surprised that their reports can become a exited my marked squad car and approached the driver’s side door?” weapon for the defense. Remember, a good defense attorney is going to No. you would say you stopped a car, got out and walked up to the driver. read your report and go through it with a fine-tooth comb. He will try to Do not use complex words or words that you are not sure what they use what you did or did not do to discredit your testimony. He will try to mean. Use simple short sentences written in the active voice. For find loopholes or errors to build a case. instance, if you saw a gun on the front passenger seat of a car, write, I always tell officers to read and re-read their reports well before any “This officer saw a black semi-automatic pistol on the front passenger type of hearing or trial where you will provide testimony. seat.” You should not write, “A black semi-automatic pistol was found by this officer.” FINAL THOUGHTS Facts only. NOT opinions or conclusions It was late in the day and a jury had just returned guilty verdicts against a stepfather who had done unspeakable acts against his 6-year-old Officers should document what they saw, heard, smelled, felt, etc. This stepdaughter. I remember walking with her and her family after court to should be done in simple easy-to-understand words. talk about the case and the upcoming sentencing hearing. Let me go back to the domestic battery mentioned earlier. A police I will never forget how her small hand felt in mine as we walked away officer gets called to the scene. As he walks up to the house, he hears from the courtroom. As we walked down the hall she suddenly stopped, the husband say, “Next time you will get it worse.” The officer speaks looked up at me and in a quiet voice said, “Mr. Steve, do you think one with the wife and sees that she has blood coming from her nose. She is day I can be as good as you?” I looked down at her, squeezing her hand physically shaking and crying. just a little harder. With my voice cracking with emotion, I looked her in The officer later writes a report but fails to mention that he saw blood the eyes and said, “One day I hope I can be as good and strong and as coming from the wife’s nose or that she was physically shaking and brave as you.” crying. He also mentions that the husband said something about next We owe it to her and all victims to do our best. Always. ■ time but is vague about exactly what was said. For a juror and a judge, if it is not in the police report, it did not happen. Steve Scheller is an experienced prosecutor in Illinois If you testify at trial about facts not contained in your report, the defense who has a leading role with CourtSmart, an online legal attorney is going to grill you and tell the jury it did not happen, that you are not truthful and that they cannot find the defendant guilty. The education program for police officers. CourtSmart is a case then becomes about what the officer did not do rather than what partner of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police in happened. providing training. 11 M AY 2 0 2 1
Get online I L L I N O Itraining S A S S O C I A T Ion legal ON O F C H I E Fissues S OF POLICE for your officers every month; Illinois Chiefs have partnership with CourtSmart ILACP has a partnership with CourtSmart, a firm consisting primarily of attorneys committed to helping officers understand the legal rules on the street and in court. CourtSmart’s motto is that officers don’t have to know the law as well as attorneys; officers have to know it better -- as officers must act and react at a moment’s notice. Attorneys, Dale Anderson meanwhile, can research the law for months, or even years, and later second-guess officers with judges and juries. This partnership puts ILACP’s endorsement on CourtSmart’s training and encourages police departments throughout the state to consider what CourtSmart offers. The agreement was reached by the ILACP Board of Officers and Dale Anderson, an attorney who works with CourtSmart and has provided training in Illinois for many years. The other three CourtSmart attorneys besides Anderson are Anthony A. Polse, Steven J. Scheller, and retired Chief Jim Volpe. The price per officer is only $60 per year if his/her department’s chief, sheriff, or similar chief executive is a member of ILACP. For other TESTIMONIAL departments, the price is $100 per officer. “I can’t overemphasize my What CourtSmart Can Do For A Police Department belief that the CourtSmart Anthony A. Polse program is an invaluable CourtSmart provides four comprehensive standardized approaches to product. The aspect that ongoing learning and to professionalization: it can satisfy mandated 1. Legal source books that are updated every year and available both training requirements is in hard copy and e-book, which officers can use for educational value added. The mandated and research purposes; requirements do not provide the ongoing training that 2. Monthly recent case updates that help officers keep up with the today’s officers need and changes in the law, particularly constitutional law; CourtSmart provides. We are 3. Quizzes on the monthly updates and possibly satisfying the a Chiefs’ organization and we state mandates, with the results of the quizzes available to are marketing this to Chiefs supervisors selected by the department. If your officers answer to make their lives easier. If I seven out of ten questions correctly, they may be eligible to be sound a little rah rah on this, Steven J. Scheller certified for the legislative mandates, if your local Mobile Training I am. I was a Dale Anderson Unit approves. ILACP is working on these relationships with the MTUs. “I must be transparent in saying that most MTUs have not / CourtSmart fan long before yet certified this training to satisfy the mandates,” ILACP Executive mandated training ever came Director Ed Wojcicki said. “But we are reaching out to the MTUS, out. From my perspective and we will be encouraging our members to contact their MTU as a former Deputy Chief, directors to ask that this training be certified.” the value and importance of the information provided 4. Questions answered by e-mail for officers as CourtSmart’s time allows. by Dale reduces liability and improves officer confidence and productivity.” How to Sign Up If you would like more information about beginning CourtSmart Chief Ray Cordell, Jim Volpe through the Association, contact Dale Anderson at daa2000@aol. Chairman, ILACP Education com or call him at 815-861-0320. The website for CourtSmart is and Programs Committee www.leotraining.com. M AY 2 0 2 1 12
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E Attorney General Raoul, Rep. Windhorst named Public Officials of the Year by Illinois Chiefs Attorney General Kwame Raoul State Representative Patrick Windhorst SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ attorney general and a southern Illinois state proceeded to communicate openly, going back and forth, and we finally representative have been named Public Officials of the Year by the had a bill that we supported,” Black said “This process worked very well. Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. They are: It was a great way to develop legislation that benefits Illinois.” • Attorney General Kwame Raoul, a Democrat from Chicago That language supported by the Illinois Chiefs became part of the • State Representative Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis omnibus criminal justice reform law that Governor Pritzker signed on The selection is made by the Board of Officers, the association’s February 22, 2021. “It’s complicated because we opposed the final governing body. omnibus bill, but we were always deeply grateful to General Raoul for his commitment to finishing a good process with us,” said Ed Wojcicki, Attorney General Raoul worked collaboratively with the Illinois Chiefs ILACP Executive Director. and other law enforcement leaders over a period of months beginning last summer to strengthen Illinois’ process of decertifying police officers. Windhorst has the unique distinction of being recognized by the “He called the Illinois Chiefs at the beginning to listen to our conceptual Illinois Chiefs for his outstanding work during his first term as a state ideas and specific language,” said Chief James R. Black, the president representative. He had served as Massac County state’s attorney before of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. entering the Illinois General Assembly in 2019. He quickly distinguished himself as a supporter of law enforcement. “One of the first steps I took when developing a proposal to improve the police certification and decertification process was to form a He serves on the House Judiciary-Criminal Committee and the new working group comprised of police chiefs and other law enforcement Restorative Justice Committee, both of which are very important to the officials because their feedback was an important part of strengthening Illinois Chiefs. the process. I would like to thank Representative Windhorst for his “On that final day of the lame-duck session in January when the participation and input throughout the process,” Attorney General Raoul omnibus bill passed, Windhorst stood up on the House floor during the said. “I appreciate the input of the Illinois Chiefs of Police as we worked final debate and asked the kinds of questions that should have been to ensure that our legislation provided for due process and would be asked about bad legislation, and we were pleased to see that he spoke workable for departments throughout Illinois. I look forward to our up,” Wojcicki said. “He was there for us when we needed him to be.” continued collaboration as we protect residents in communities around Raoul and Windhorst will be recognized publicly by the Illinois Association the state.” of Chiefs of Police, most likely in Springfield sometime when the COVID Raoul then facilitated numerous Zoom meetings with the Illinois Chiefs protocols are loosened. ■ and other law enforcement leaders to draft a bill acceptable to all. “He A list of all past ILACP Public Official of the Year honorees can be immediately shared his draft language with us late last year, and we found here: https://www.ilchiefs.org/public-officials-of-the-year 13 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E Chief King writes book on officer wellness; makes donation to Illinois Chiefs for sales Chief Laura King of the McHenry County Conservation District Police PRICING FOR ILACP MEMBERS AND ILLINOIS CHIEFS - Department is the author of Officer Safety Redefined, which was with FREE SHIPPING published last year. She is also a psychologist and nationally known 1 - 19 BOOKS RETAIL ($19.99) FREE Shipping speaker. She is the 2nd Vice President of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and is in line to become ILACP’s first woman president in 2023. 20 - 299 BOOKS 10% Discount ($17.99) FREE Shipping Photo at left by Brian Hill, Daily Herald. 300 Books & Over 15% Discount ($16.49) Free Shipping She is generously donating $5.00 per book to the Illinois Association Ed Wojcicki, Executive Director of ILACP , was as early purchaser of this of Chiefs of Police for anyone purchasing books through this Illinois book and gives it high marks. “I personally benefited from the book -- Chiefs’ offer. especially from its promotion of psychological fitness -- and I am very ABOUT THE BOOK grateful to Chief King for making this offer to help the Illinois Chiefs. It’s a win-win for us, for anyone who reads the book, and for any department This book has been written by a police officer, for police officers. The that decides to buy the book for its offers. Thanks to Laura for doing this author has spent years researching and providing training for police on for us and for the profession.” ■ mental wellness and psychological resiliency. Mental wellness is not soft stuff, it is a matter of life and death. This is information every officer ABOUT THE AUTHOR must know to survive their career. It is no longer enough that we go home at the end of our shift. We deserve to go home healthy, to go home Chief King is an adjunct instructor in the criminal justice and happy, to go home as a well-adjusted human being. psychology programs at McHenry County College in Woodstock, Illinois. She previously worked as an adjunct instructor in the The information contained in this book can help protect officers from the criminal justice programs at both Judson University and Columbia unspoken threats that have been haunting our profession for decades. College of Missouri. In addition, she is a state-certified instructor for a HOW TO ORDER DIRECTLY FROM CHIEF LAURA KING variety of criminal justice courses at Northern Illinois Multi-Regional • Please send an email directly to Laura King directly at Training, Inc. llvk1053@gmail.com She has had many officer wellness related articles published in • Please put in the subject line: “ILACP book order” various professional journals. She works as a subject matter expert • In the email, indicate the number of books you would like to order and for BJA’s VALOR for Blue program and travels the country speaking the address to which the books should be sent. Once that information on matters of mental wellness, psychological resiliency and physical is received an invoice will be sent to you within 48 hours with the total fitness. for the books. Dr. King received her doctorate of philosophy and her master’s degree • After you review and approve the invoice, payment can be arranged in psychology at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota; she either via check, Paypal, Zelle or credit card and the order will be received a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice management placed. from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. She is a graduate of both Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command and • Books will arrive within 5-12 days after the order is confirmed depending on the size of the order. of Session 265 of the FBI’s National Academy. M AY 2 0 2 1 14
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E 15 M AY 2 0 2 1
I L L I N O I S A S S O C I AT I O N O F C H I E F S O F P O L I C E Our deepest gratitude to Russ Laine for your wisdom, leadership, and selflessness... A 4-page Tribute Retired Chief Russell Laine, past president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (2000), announced in March that he is stepping down as ILACP Parliamentarian, a position he has held on the Board of Officers for almost two decades. Because of his long history of service, Command magazine asked two other past presidents to provide their reflections on the service of Russ Laine. What follows are articles by Buffalo Grove Chief Steven Casstevens (ILACP president in 2016- 17) and Retired Chief Gary Schira (ILACP president in 1997). Laine and Casstevens also served as president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Casstevens is currently the IACP Past President. “I always tell Russ that wisdom is one of his greatest attributes,” said ILACP Executive Director Ed Wojcicki. “He’s always available to help, he thinks before he speaks, and his advice is always spot-on. I speak for everyone in thanking Russ for his decades of dedication to law enforcement and to our association.” Chief Laine knew his way around the Capitol in Springfield, advocating for law enforcement and Fight Crime Invest in Kids with top leaders such and former Senate President John Cullerton and former Governor Bruce Rauner. M AY 2 0 2 1 16
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