Police chief reports training progress; council approves license to use Franklin Display Group site

Police Chief Woody told the Belvidere City Committee of the Whole on Feb. 23 that two officers, Austin Smaha and Ethan Shook, have progressed to step five of the field training officer program and are now assigned to shifts as solo officers, improving patrol coverage. He said three other officers remain in earlier FTO phases and three recruits are at the Basic Police Academy at Sauk Valley in Dixon attending training.

Woody said the department completed four entry-level interviews since the last meeting, three of which the council placed on the eligibility list, leaving an entry-level eligibility list of eight candidates and one current vacancy. He said police staff conducted part of a background check on a lateral applicant who withdrew voluntarily.

On a related agenda item, Woody introduced a license agreement between the city and Franklin Display Group Inc. that would allow the SWAT team to test and train at a facility at 910 East Lincoln Avenue. Woody said Franklin Display required a signed license agreement before permitting training. Alderman Peterson moved and Alderman Stevens seconded a motion authorizing the mayor to sign the agreement; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The chief asked the council to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement so the department can use the site for training in March and possibly at later dates if available. He offered to answer follow-up questions after the meeting.

The committee had no public forum; the mayor and staff noted the item will be handled administratively once the mayor signs the agreement.