Residents press trustees on police response; board reiterates hiring push and vetting for chief search

Several residents used public comment at the June 2 meeting to report delayed or nonresponsive police service for in-progress incidents and property complaints, pressing trustees for clearer response protocols.

"What happens when we call for the police and there's no police available and when it is an in progress?" a resident asked, describing a crash that had witnesses but no officer response. The resident said an insurer denied a claim because no police report was filed.

Trustees acknowledged staffing shortages. Mayor House and Trustee Belcher said the village has advertised open officer positions and is prioritizing hiring. Trustee Belcher said the police department is actively recruiting and that the village is placing hiring notices on social media. The mayor said the county sheriff's office has indicated it can provide assistance and urged residents to follow up with trustees or the mayor's office if they observe nonresponses so staff can investigate each incident.

Trustees and the mayor described a separate, planned process for selecting a police chief: the village has engaged a consultant and formed a multi'member panel that includes neighboring police chiefs and board members to score and vet candidates before final recommendations are made to the board.

Trustee Stan Brown and Trustee Tammy Brown referenced a recently passed Illinois bill addressing property "squatters" and trespass issues. Trustee Stan Brown said Senate Bill 1563 had passed the legislature and was awaiting the governor's signature; he said the law would give officers additional authority to remove squatters (as described in public comment) and that he would provide the text to the mayor and clerk.

No formal action or ordinance was adopted on police protocols at the meeting, but trustees directed staff to continue recruitment and to provide follow-up on specific incident reports provided during public comment.