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Morton Grove approves telecom and police vehicle changeover; police outline drone use and protections
Summary
Trustees approved contracts for a village-wide telecom system and police vehicle outfitting; the police chief outlined how the department uses drones, said operators are FAA-licensed and described privacy safeguards, and the board noted an upcoming statewide speed enforcement day.
The Morton Grove Board of Trustees on July 22 approved contracts to replace the village’s phone system and to outfit patrol vehicles, and the police department described recent drone use and steps to notify the public and protect privacy.
Telecom and police vehicles Trustees approved resolution 2555, authorizing an agreement with RingCentral for telecommunication licenses, equipment, implementation and annual maintenance for all village departments. Trustee Shiba presented the item and said the cost “is set to not exceed $128,082.” The motion passed 6–0.
The board also approved resolution 2556 authorizing a contract with Ultra Strobe Communications Inc. to transfer equipment and update lighting packages on marked and unmarked police vehicles. Trustee Travis said Ultra Strobe’s proposal “totaling $47,779.5 includes the changeover of 3 new vehicles and equipment modifications to 3 existing vehicles.” The motion passed 6–0.
Why it matters: the RingCentral contract replaces an aging phone system and provides features to support internal and external communications; the vehicle changeovers equip new and repurposed cars for police response.
Police drone program and privacy Chief Weitzel and staff described recent use of the police drone during large, public events including Morton Grove Days and July 4th. The chief noted the department uses FAA-licensed drone pilots and described operational limits: drones generally will not fly over crowds and are used to relay real-time intelligence to officers in the field. A staff member said the village provided notice via social media and posted signs at events to inform the public that drones might be in use.
On privacy and enforcement authority, a resident asked how the village prevents unlawful enforcement actions. Chief Weitzel said the state’s 2017 Trust Act and the village’s welcoming ordinance prohibit local police from engaging in immigration enforcement and that the policy is codified in the department’s rules (chief referenced department policy 428), saying the policy provides that no member of the agency “shall detain any individual based on a civil violation of federal immigration law.” He told residents they may call 911 if approached by someone claiming to be a police officer and the department can help verify bona fides.
Other public-safety notes Trustee Travis reported the police department will participate in Illinois Speed Awareness Day on July 23, with Cook County Sheriff’s Police assisting local enforcement. The board also approved a warrant register totaling $542,199.4 during the meeting.
Ending: Trustees described these approvals as routine operational updates; the police said they will continue public outreach about drone use and post updates on the village website.
