Chief Prewitt reports department averaged 4–8 minute response times and that officers generated nearly half of calls

Chief Prewitt told the Plainfield Board of Police Commissioners on Jan. 8, 2026 that the department handled roughly 36,000 calls for service last year and that officers’ response times compare favorably with national figures.

"Overall last year in the entirety of 36,000 calls of service...our officers are getting on scene in about 4 minutes on average to those," Chief Prewitt said, adding that when measuring from a citizen call to arrival the figure is closer to 8 minutes. He contrasted the department's times with a cited national average of "16 minutes plus," saying Plainfield's experience is significantly faster. Prewitt also stated that officers self‑dispatch for many incidents and that "48.2% of those 36,000 calls" were officer‑generated.

Prewitt and board members discussed reasons for rising call volumes and enforcement activity, citing a combination of population growth, increased traffic flow and proactive enforcement as contributors. Deputy Chief Smock said training for officers will begin soon and noted roughly four officers per shift; staffing was discussed in the context of vacancies. Chief Prewitt said he will request an executive session at the next meeting to address filling vacancies and to bring candidates from the eligibility list because the department is "short of that 72" sworn officers target.

The remarks combined operational metrics (calls and response times), staffing status and planning for recruitment. No policy changes or budget authorizations were adopted at the meeting; the chief’s request for an executive session is a planned board action for a future meeting.