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Police credit FLAC camera in locating missing elderly driver; department highlights outreach programs and grants tool
Summary
Chief James LeVand described a missing-person rescue aided by an asset-tracking device and a FLAC camera, announced a secure payment drop box, and noted a new grant-finder registration; he also raised law-enforcement concerns about pending state legislation limiting use of cannabis odor in investigations.
Police Chief James LeVand told trustees officers located an elderly missing person who has dementia using an AirTag signal and a FLAC camera, and that the person received medical attention after first responders found dangerously low blood sugar.
"They went above and beyond," LeVand said of Officer Cusick and another officer, and he said the department expects to recognize Officer Cusick as February Officer of the Month for the response.
LeVand also announced a newly installed secure payment drop box at village hall, under 24/7 video surveillance, intended to allow residents to leave checks and certified payments when the office is closed.
On grants and administration, LeVand said staff registered for the Illinois Municipal League (IML) grant-finder tool so the village will receive alerts about available grants across departments. He and trustees discussed building an institutional record for future grant applications.
LeVand raised a law-enforcement concern about proposed state legislation (identified in the meeting as Bill SB0042) that would bar officers from using the odor of cannabis to substantiate traffic investigations. "Law enforcement's against it for obvious reasons," he said, adding officers worry limits could hinder the ability to investigate suspected impaired driving.
The chief also reported on the police department’s participation in school programs, citing a K-5 "Too Good for Drugs" curriculum and a K-9 presentation for fifth graders. He thanked officers and school staff who ran the program and noted the department delivers multiple school-related services despite limited staffing.
No formal action resulted from the police report segment; trustees thanked the chief for the update.
