The DeKalb City Council meeting on September 22, 2025, spotlighted a significant enhancement in the partnership between the DeKalb Police Department and Northern Illinois University (NIU). Acting Chief John presented a proposal to refine the existing intergovernmental agreement, originally established in 2014, aimed at fostering collaboration between the two law enforcement agencies.

The proposed updates would allow sworn NIU officers to enforce laws and make arrests within a designated patrol area, specifically north of the Union Pacific Railroad and west of Garden Road. This shared jurisdiction is designed to streamline law enforcement efforts and ensure that both agencies can respond effectively to incidents in their overlapping areas.

Acting Chief John emphasized that NIU would take full responsibility for any arrests or investigations initiated by their officers, ensuring a seamless process without the need for hand-offs. In emergencies, DeKalb police would also be invited to assist on campus, reinforcing the cooperative spirit between the two entities. Importantly, neither agency seeks compensation for these reciprocal actions, highlighting a commitment to community safety and collaboration.

The proposal received strong support from council members, who praised the leadership at NIU and the positive relationship between the police departments. The council is expected to approve the resolution, marking a significant step forward in public safety cooperation in DeKalb.