During new business on Dec. 30, Alderman Carlson asked Police Chief Beal about recent traffic fatalities and whether the department’s traffic enforcement posture is improving ahead of budget deliberations. Chief Beal said that last Monday the department added 15 officers and that the department’s active sworn total is about 253.

"As of...last Monday we added 15 more officers to our ranks," Chief Beal said, adding that the department coordinates "wolf pack" patrols with enforcement partners including the county sheriff and the Illinois State Police and runs roadside safety checks (which the chief noted are managed by the state police and, when required, are announced).

Aldermen expressed concern that more enforcement alone may not be sufficient and discussed supplementing enforcement with educational campaigns and public-service announcements. One alderman suggested using electronic billboards to display anti-distracted-driving PSAs and noted prior agreements with billboard companies to allow public-service content.

Chief Beal said the department will continue targeted patrols and details and welcomed further conversation during the budget process. No specific funding changes or new traffic ordinances were proposed at this meeting.