Lansing Police
Department
2015
Annual Report
2015 Annual Report
Village President
Norm Abbott
Village Trustees
Anthony DeLaurentis
Patty Eidam
Terry Kapteyn
Mike Manno
Mike Skrbina
Mikal Stole
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners
Jerry Haan
Gerry Hartog
John Pizzato
Elvis Slaughter
Julie Vitiritti
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
“Loyalty - Pride - Devotion ”
I would like to take this opportunity to present you with the first Lansing Police Department annual report.
The Lansing Police Department has been providing protection through law enforcement services to the
residents of the Village of Lansing since the first regular police officer began to patrol our Village in 1919.
Today the police department provides services to over 28,000 residents and is staffed by 54 full time
sworn officers, 6 part time officers, and 17 civilian staff members.
The phrase “Loyalty, Pride, & Devotion” is a historic phrase created many years ago by those officers who
served our Village before us. It was placed on every marked patrol unit in our fleet years ago, and remains today. I assure you that this phrase is a way of life for each member of our department.
This report is a reflection of the “ Loyalty ” and deep commitment that each member of our department
has towards all of the stakeholders in our community. The members of the Lansing Police Department
take great “ Pride ” in working with all members of the community to resolve problems by proactively
addressing issues of concern and achieving results. Our members have a deep “ Devotion ” and
commitment to establishing positive relationships and partnerships with residents, businesses, and other
organizations which will provide a better flow of communication, as well as a more efficient and effective
manner to make our community safer.
I am extremely proud of our entire staff of professionals as each one is dedicated to making our Village
the safest possible community with which to live or visit. I am also grateful to our Village Administration
for their trust and support they provide us.
I hope you will enjoy this first annual report. We have tried to encompass as many of the day to day
activities and programs which the police department provides to our community in this report as possible.
While we have attempted to cover everything, there may be a few items that were inadvertently not
highlighted. Regardless, my hope is that you will find the information contained in this report to be both
informative and resourceful.
In service,
Dennis L. Murrin Jr.
Chief of Police
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Table of Contents
Lansing Police Department
Introduction
Chief’s message
Table of Contents
Mission & Values Statement
3
4
5
Department Overview
Organizational Chart
Department Roster/Longevity
Department Awards & Commendations
Department New Hires & Promotions
6
7
8
9
Field Services Division
Crime Statistics
Criminal Investigations Division
Part-Time Officer Program
Police Cadet Program
Crime Scene Unit
Police K9 Program
Emergency Response Team
Truck Enforcement Unit
Training
Field Training Program
Citizen Complaints & Internal Investigations
10
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Support Services Division
911 Telecommunications Center
Records & IT Department
Village Preparedness Coordinator
Special Events
Building & Vehicle Operations
Community Policing
Neighborhood Watch
D.A.N.G.E.R. Program
Coffee with a Cop
National Night Out
NASQUAD
Lansing Rental Housing Program
School Crossing Guards
Special Olympics
Special Enforcement
Grant Writing Committee
In Memory of Officer Novak
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
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2015 Annual Report
MISSION STATEMENT
“The Lansing Police Department, in a partnership with the community, will provide the best
possible service and protection for our citizens utilizing the core values of Loyalty, Pride, and
Devotion.”
CORE VALUES
LOYALTY – BE FAITHFUL TO THE LAW, COMMUNITY AND EACH OTHER
We will be loyal to the United States Constitution and the laws of the State of Illinois, the public trust given
to us by the community we serve, the Lansing Police Department and our fellow employees.
PRIDE – SHOW PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY, DEPARTMENT AND PROFESSION
We will take pride in the Village of Lansing, the Lansing Police Department, and the profession of law
enforcement. We will do our best to live up to our Oath of Office and the trust which has been placed in us
by our community.
DEVOTION – FULFILL OUR OBLIGATIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY
We will be devoted to fulfill our duty to the best of our abilities. We will conduct ourselves with
professionalism and confidence. We will exercise self-restraint and objectivity in the face of all
circumstances. We will always work towards excellence through constant self-improvement and be
mindful of how we impact our community.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
LANSING POLICE DEPARTMENT
FIELD SERVICES DIVISION
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
The Field Services Division is the operational
component for the Lansing Police Department.
This division has been under the command of
Commander Pete Grutzius since 2008. The
division includes both the Patrol and Criminal
Investigations Divisions. It is responsible for
responding to calls for service, preventing
criminal activity, coordinating special events,
investigation and follow-up of reported crime,
traffic accident investigation, crowd and traffic
control, crime scene response and management,
arrest & processing, and the enforcement of
state statutes and local ordinances. The Patrol
and Investigations Divisions each have
specialized units contained within them.
The Support Services Division provides support for
the Field Services Division. The division has been
under the command of Commander Rick Slough
since 2012.
The division is responsible for
budgetary, planning and research considerations.
Some of the responsibilities include department and
vehicle maintenance, crossing guards, court liaison
functions, crime prevention, and special program
duties. The Support Services Division is comprised
of the 911 Center, Records Department, Community
Policing, IT Department, Village Preparedness
Coordinator, and Animal Control.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Department Roster (serving since)
SWORN FULL TIME PERSONNEL
Chief Dennis Murrin Jr.
Commander Peter Grutzius
Commander Richard Slough
Lieutenant Chris Mizner
Lieutenant John Koch
Lieutenant Steve Roberts
Lieutenant Randall Hoving
Lieutenant Alfred Phillips
Sergeant Gabriel Barajas
Sergeant Paul Henry
Sergeant Tim Glinski
Sergeant Tim Biron
Sergeant Greg Schoon
Sergeant Robert Protsman
Sergeant Scott Bailey
Officer Dan Powers
Officer Bruce Percak
Officer Kevin Lapointe
Detective Tony Curtis
1991
1990
1996
1991
1995
1995
1996
1998
1990
1992
1993
1994
1997
1997
1998
1993
1993
1994
1994
Clarence (Bud) Eidam
Lawrence Pelcher
1975
1976
Supervisor of Communications
Brian Weis
2001
Asst Supervisor of Communications
Donna Bergstrom
1993
Supervisor of Records
Bob Orzel
Executive Secretary
Sharon Novak
Lansing Police Department
2005
2005
Officer Walter Weeden
Officer Todd Kulacz
Officer Erik Morey
Officer Jason Klausner
Officer Patrick Beko
Officer Kyle Smith
Officer Todd Yonker
Detective Aaron Barnes
Officer Ronald Mack
Officer Martin Dosen
Officer Michael Lazowski
Officer John Tomaszewski
Detective William Kowalski
Officer Todd Heintz
Officer David Bell
Officer Christopher Hasse
Officer Wilson Pierce
Officer Linda Monthie
1995
1995
1995
1996
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2001
2001
2002
Officer Barbara Klingelschmitt
Officer Dana Tatgenhorst
Detective Michael Hynek
Officer Joshua Scheeringa
Officer Timothy Harvey
Officer Joseph Pomilia
Officer Scott Butler
Officer David Olejarz
Detective Michael Rodriguez
Officer Steven Winkler
Officer Brian Dornbos
Officer Michael Lindemulder
Officer Robert Garcia
K-9 Yaekae
Officer Michael Jones
Officer William Mason
Officer Keith Haan
Officer John Connor
SWORN PART TIME PERSONNEL
Peter Krilich
1979
Scott Musser
Scott Wheaton
1995
Alex Ascolani
CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
Telecommunicators
Lisa Leonard
2002
Cynthia Griffiths
2005
Joseph Augustyniak
2005
Carlos Davila
2006
Ryan Trepton
2012
Tim Casson
2013
Tracy Anderson
2015
Paul Gulota
2015
Administrative Receptionist
Lori Fields
1999
2003
2003
2004
2005
2005
2006
2006
2007
2007
2007
2009
2009
2009
2010
2012
2013
2015
2015
2009
2012
Records Staff
Maryann Rushing
Susan Necastro
Sherry Metz
1998
2000
2011
Community Service Officer
Alex Ascolani
2012
Custodian
Scott Kern
Animal Control Officer
John Witvoet
2004
1991
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2015 Annual Report
Department Awards & Commendations
It is the policy of the Lansing Police Department to recognize superior performance by Department
employees. Commendations may originate from citizens or within the Department and are intended to cite
exemplary conduct and standards that all members of the Department should strive to attain. The Lansing
Police Department would like to recognize the following achievements in 2015:
Special Arrest Achievement – awarded to an employee arresting any person who’s actions pose a
significant threat to any individual or the community.
Officer E. Morey
Officer J. Scheeringa
Officer R. Garcia – 2 awards
Officer B. Dornbos – 2 awards
Officer M. Mayer
Officer T. Yonker
Officer S. Winkler
Certificate of Commendation – awarded to an employee demonstrating exceptional effort and/or ability
in the performance of any job related task.
Officer M. Jones
Officer T. Kulacz
Officer D. Bell
Officer E. Morey
Unit Citation Letter – awarded to a shift or group which demonstrates the ability to go above and beyond
in order to resolve any issue or task.
Sergeant P. Henry
Officer J. Scheeringa
Officer B. Percak
Officer B. Dornbos
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
The Lansing Police Department
would like to congratulate the following individuals:
New Hires
Telecommunicator Tracy Anderson hired 01/22/15
Telecommunicator Paul Gulota hired 02/16/15
Officer Keith Haan hired 03/13/15
Officer John Connor hired 06/30/15
Promotions
Lieutenant Alfred Phillips promoted 03/12/15
Lieutenant Randall Hoving promoted 10/14/15
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Field Services Division
The Patrol Division contains the largest number of officers in the Department. Currently we have 3
Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants and 28 Patrol Officers assigned to Patrol. They are arranged into 4 rotating
shifts working 12-hour workdays, 6:00 AM until 6:00 PM or 6:00 PM until 6:00 AM, and a non-rotation
Power Shift which works 12:00 PM until 12:00 AM to cover the busiest time for calls for service. Each shift
is under the command of a Lieutenant with the assistance of a Sergeant. Officers from the patrol division
receive their assignments from the Telecommunications Center and are the department’s first response to
all emergency or non-emergency calls.
The patrol area is divided into 4 geographical beats covering the entire Village.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Crime Statistics
The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting (I-UCR) program was developed in 1971 and implemented on
January 1, 1972. The Illinois State Police was given the responsibility to act as the central repository
for crime statistics. Reporting crime statistics is mandated by Chapter 20 of the Illinois Compiled
Statutes, 2630/8.
Reporting law enforcement agencies submit data on a monthly basis to the I-UCR Program.
Participating jurisdictions include villages, municipalities, counties, colleges, universities, park districts,
railroads, forest preserves, hospitals, and other miscellaneous agencies throughout Illinois.
Below are the UCR Statistics for the Village of Lansing.
Part 1 Crime Index Data - Lansing , IL
Year
Population
Total Crime
Index
Murder
Criminal Sexual Assault
Robbery
Agg Assault /
Battery
Burglary
Theft
Motor Vehicle
Theft
Arson
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
28,547
28,547
28,479
28,479
28,416
26,075
26,672
26,853
27,093
27,324
27,574
27,976
28,079
28,332
28,332
28,332
28,512
28,512
28,664
1,485
1,263
1,282
1,427
1,485
1,494
1,342
1,239
1,283
1,219
1,120
1,318
1,290
1,397
1,238
1,140
1,164
1,316
1,484
2
2
0
1
0
2
0
1
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
0
0
8
10
16
30
23
5
1
8
3
3
1
1
5
2
0
0
1
1
2
55
50
57
27
40
28
28
42
33
37
36
46
31
44
34
42
22
29
28
18
29
36
35
38
16
31
42
26
16
25
20
21
19
15
18
18
13
18
177
185
157
238
222
225
280
249
168
217
173
210
192
160
125
116
127
136
147
1,152
918
939
1,023
1,033
1,136
889
810
907
828
782
900
896
1,009
918
812
818
935
1,050
70
68
74
71
122
73
108
84
141
118
101
141
145
160
142
151
177
202
238
3
1
3
2
7
9
5
3
3
0
2
0
0
3
4
0
0
0
1
1996
28,664
1,528
0
3
19
19
185
1,056
246
0
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Criminal Investigations Division
Overview
The Criminal Investigations Division is primarily tasked with conducting follow up investigations on crimes
that occur within the Village of Lansing. The Criminal Investigations Division conducts follow up
investigations on a variety of cases ranging from misdemeanor cases to felony cases. The current staffing
of the Criminal Investigations Division is as follows:
1
1
5
1
1
1
Detective Lieutenant
Detective Sergeant
Detectives (full-time)
School Resource Officer / Detective
Tactical Officer / Detective
Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force Officer
Case Assignment
The following chart details a monthly summary of cases assigned for follow up investigation and their
disposition. The dispositions have been simplified down to ‘cleared by arrest’ (CBA), ‘administratively
closed’ and currently active (as of the end of January 2016):
Month 2015 Cases Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Assigned 53 29 41 45 42 55 46 39 43 57 54 58 562 CBA 10 6 15 7 10 6 13 6 13 10 13 9 118 Closed 43 23 26 38 32 49 33 31 25 42 34 22 398 Ac ve 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 5 7 27 46 South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force
Two of our full-time detectives, Detective Tony Curtis and Detective Michael Rodriguez, are assigned to
the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force (SSMCTF). The SSMCTF activates on a call-out basis
when a participating agency requests assistance on a major crime (such as a homicide). Detective Curtis
is assigned as a supervisor on the Task Force and often has additional administrative duties after the
completion of the activations. Detectives activated for a case can be assigned to another agency with the
task force from anywhere between two days and two weeks. In 2014, our detectives were involved in 23
SSMCTF activations, and spent a total of 686 hours on those investigations. The Lansing Police
Department utilized the SSMCTF five times for our own cases in 2014. In 2015, our detectives were
involved in 25 SSMCTF activations, and spent a total of 884 hours on those investigations. Even though
our detectives were often called out for other agencies, the Lansing Police Department did not require the
utilization of the SSMCTF for any of our own cases in 2015.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force
The Lansing Police Department entered into a partnership with the Cook County State’s Attorneys Office
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC) in 2015. Two of the full-time detectives,
Detective William Kowalski and Detective Michael Hynek have been assigned to ICAC and will receive
additional training opportunities in 2016.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC) helps state and local law enforcement
agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet
crimes against children. The task force provides support encompassing forensic and investigative
components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention and community education.
Evidence and Property
The Criminal Investigations Division Supervisors are also tasked with overseeing evidence and property.
In 2014, 1597 individual items of evidence were logged into the evidence vault and 93 individual items of
property were logged into the property held cage. The following chart details incoming evidence and
property for 2015:
Month Type Jan Feb Mar Apr May Evidence 172 116 101 156 146 Property 4 6 4 7 176 122 105 163 Total Jun Nov Dec Total 122 88 141 1531 5 5 3 5 70 161 127 91 146 1601 Jul Aug Sep Oct 99 110 124 156 6 9 6 10 152 108 116 134 Sex Offender and Violent Offender Registration
Detective Tony Curtis maintains the files of Lansing’s Sex Offender and Violent Offender registrants. He
works closely with the Illinois State Police and other municipalities to ensure that our registrants are
compliant with the law. In addition to making sure the registration is completed properly, he conducts
follow up investigations to verify this information is accurate. As of the end of the year, all of the
registrants were in compliance with the law. More information on Sex Offender and Violent Offender
registrations can be found at www.isp.state.il.us/sor/.
Tactical Unit
The Lansing Police Department Tactical Unit executed six search warrant operations in 2015 and made
numerous interdiction stops throughout the year. The tactical unit conducts narcotics investigations
ranging from possession of cannabis to heroin distribution. In addition to narcotics cases, the tactical unit
is tasked with conducting prostitution related investigations. The unit conducted quarterly prostitution
stings throughout the year in partnership with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Vice Unit and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.
Asset Forfeiture
The Lansing Police Department takes an aggressive approach towards asset forfeiture. The Lansing
Police Department works in conjunction with the Cook County States Attorney’s Office and the Illinois
State Police with these cases. The Lansing Police Department completed 13 asset forfeitures in 2015
from cases ranging from drug investigations to deceptive practices. The total amount of currency seized
was $17,517.67. The tactical unit made seven seizures in 2015, with a total of $14,217.00 in drug
proceeds. There were five additional currency seizures for drug offenses and deceptive practice cases
made outside of the tactical unit, totaling $3,300.67.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Part-Time Officer Program
Lansing’s full-time police force is supplemented by six part-time officers who assist with the security and
traffic control at special events. Additionally they assist the department in times of community emergency
or disaster. These individuals are extremely dedicated to the Village of Lansing, as most have been active
in the program for many years.
All the part-time officers are required by Public Act 89-170 to become certified as police officers through
the State of Illinois having completed the required academy training. Additionally they are required to
attend mandatory training and annually qualify with department firearms.
Pictured: Officer Sco Wheaton, Officer Alex Ascolani, Officer Bud Eidam, Officer Sco Musser, and Officer Larry Pelcher
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Police Cadet Program
The Cadet Program was established in 1978 to afford qualified young men & women the opportunity to
affiliate themselves with a law enforcement agency prior to them reaching the eligible age for
appointment as a police officer. The program is designed to attract young adults of outstanding
character/ ability and:

Provide them with a comprehensive training, service, practical and recreational experience.

Promote their character development, physical fitness, leadership, good citizenship and patriotism.

Make use of their services in a supplementary police capacity.

Encourage interest and enthusiasm for a career in law enforcement.
The program is affiliated with the Learning for Life division of the Boy Scouts of America, and is chartered
as a Law Enforcement Explorer Post.
More information on the program can be found at www.villageoflansing.org under Police Special
Programs.
In 2015, the program had 10 active Cadets who participated in over 25 community events. Additionally the
group competed at the Illinois State Law Enforcement Exploring Conference held at Lewis University
where they earned three trophies, these included 3rd place in Tactical Emergency Medical Response and
4th place in Crime Scene Response and Rapid Deployment.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Crime Scene Unit
The Lansing Police Department processes a variety of crime scenes each year. The evidence collected
from the scenes must be inventoried and placed in a secured holding area for future trials and reference.
The evidence recovery process is very important; however the process is quite different that what is
portrayed on TV such as on the shows CSI: Las Vegas or CSI: Miami.
Lansing Police Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) receive specialized training in the identification, handling,
and preservation of evidence. They work closely with Detectives, who are in charge of investigating the
crime and levying charges. Crime Scene Investigators preserve the integrity of the crime scene and other
evidence for the main purpose of recording each event for posterity. Once data has become evidence, the
CSI will preserve it and relinquish its custody to the evidence custodian who is responsible for delivery to
a crime laboratory for analysis or to court when necessary.
The Lansing Police Department has nine officers that are trained and certified as Crime Scene
Investigators . Each Crime Scene Investigator has had a State certified basic course and then is sent for
additional specialized training in a wide variety of topics.
In 2015 Crime Scene Investigators processed the following crime scenes:
Aggravated Battery
Armed Robbery
Aggravated Vehicular Hi-Jacking
Burglary
Criminal Damage to Property
Criminal Sexual Assault
Death Investigations
Fatal Car Crash
Home Invasion
Theft
Unlawful Use of Weapons
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Police Canine Program
The modern Lansing Police Canine Unit was founded in the fall of 1992. The current unit for 2015 consists
of one dog “Yaekae”, a Dutch Shepherd, assigned to his handler Officer Jay Klausner. A supervisor, Sgt.
Tim Glinski, is also assigned as the coordinator of the unit.
Since the inception of the unit, the canine teams have been responsible for the seizure of millions of
dollars’ worth of money, drugs, vehicles and other property; the largest of which was $5.2 million in cash.
Purpose and Duties
All Lansing K-9’s are certified annually through the TOPS Kennels to comply with the Scientific Working
Group on Dog and Orthogonal detector Guidelines (SWGDOG), in obedience, narcotic search, tracking,
article/evidence search, apprehension and area search.
Due to the canine’s superior sense of smell, hearing, and physical capabilities, a trained law enforcement
canine is a valuable asset for the police department to use in order to assist in providing a safe
environment for the citizens of the community.
The police canine’s main function is that of a locating tool:





Tracking fugitives
Conducting building searches
Recovery of evidence
Area searches for criminal suspects
Narcotic searches
A police canine can also be used to apprehend suspects and be used in crowd control incidents to
prevent injuries or property damage and deter aggressive actions.
The police canine is the only weapon an officer can use that can be called off after being deployed. It also
cannot be used against the handler, as other weapons can.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Lansing Police Department’s
Emergency Response Team
The Lansing Police Department’s Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.) was formed in early 2008. The
Emergency Response Team is a part-time team consisting of eight members of the Lansing Police
Department that operates within the Village of Lansing. The E.R.T. currently has two Lieutenants, one
Sergeant, and six officers from the patrol level.
The Emergency Response Team receives additional monthly training including firearms, and tactics, as
well as specialized equipment. The intent of this specialized team is to allow the members to complete
their mission in a safe, effective manner with a positive outcome for our citizens, police officers and
suspects.
The Emergency Response Team’s main duties are the execution of narcotic search warrants within the
Village of Lansing. These search warrants stem from lengthy investigations and have been executed in
residences, hotels and other businesses. The Emergency Response Team conducts on average eight
search warrants per year.
The Emergency response Team is also activated and responds to other critical incidents such as hostage
or barricaded subjects. In these circumstances, the E.R.T. relieves patrol personnel on the inner
perimeter until the activation and arrival of the South Suburban Emergency Response Team (S.S.E.R.T.).
The South Suburban Emergency Response Team is a multi-jurisdictional S.W.AT. team that is currently
comprised of 38 police departments serving communities in the south suburbs of Chicago.
S.S.E.R.T. provides member agencies with a tactical response to critical incidents. Critical Incidents are
defined as, but not limited to barricaded subjects, hostage situations, sniper situations, high-risk warrant
service, civil disturbances and other special assignments.
The presence of a highly trained, highly skilled S.W.A.T. team has been shown to substantially reduce the
risk of injury or loss of life to citizens, police officers, and suspects. It is the intent of S.S.E.R.T. to provide
a highly trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for the member agencies in the handling of critical
incidents.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Truck Enforcement Unit
Industrial sites, in Lansing and the surrounding communities, have created the need for a truck
enforcement unit within the Lansing Police Department. Overweight trucks create safety issues and
damage the roadway. Overweight trucks create safety hazards by placing extra stress on the truck’s tires,
brakes, suspension, and equipment. They are also more difficult to stop and are involved in more fatal
and serious injury vehicle crashes. The unit ensures the safety of the motoring public and contributes to
maintaining the integrity of the Village’s roadways. Overweight commercial vehicles can cause damage
and crack the roads, requiring the Village of Lansing to spend money and resources on costly road
repairs.
Lansing Police Department truck enforcement officers are certified by the State of Illinois and are
members of the Illinois Truck Enforcement Association. The IDOT scale in Chicago Heights is primarily
used to determine weight. Truck enforcement officers also work with the Illinois State Police and the
Illinois Department of Transportation at truck safety checkpoints in Lansing and surrounding jurisdictions.
When conducting truck safety checkpoints, inspections of trucks and their drivers for safety and
equipment compliance are completed. These include checking brakes, suspension, tires and safety
related equipment. They also utilize portable truck scales to weigh trucks they believe are overloaded in
excess of weight limits.
Truck Enforcement Activity for 2015:
First Quarter
Miscellaneous Traffic Stops/Overweight Enforcement Investigations: 37 stops, totaling $4,422.00 in fines.
Truck Safety/Overweight Checkpoints: 1 checkpoint, totaling $1,294.00 in fines.
Second Quarter
Miscellaneous Traffic Stops/Overweight Enforcement Investigations: 23 stops, totaling $3,128.00 in fines.
Truck Safety/Overweight Checkpoints: No Truck Safety/Overweight checkpoints conducted in the 2nd
quarter.
Third Quarter
Miscellaneous Traffic Stops/Overweight Enforcement Investigations: 12 stops, with no fines collected
during this period.
Truck Safety/Overweight Checkpoints: 1 checkpoint, totaling $12,372.00 in fines.
Fourth Quarter
Miscellaneous Traffic Stops/Overweight Enforcement Investigations: 14 stops, totaling $6,300.00 in fines.
Truck Safety/Overweight Checkpoints: There were no Truck Safety/Overweight checkpoints conducted in
the 4th quarter.
Year-End Totals
Miscellaneous Traffic Stops/Overweight Enforcement Investigations: 86 stops, totaling $13,850.00 in
fines.
Truck Safety/Overweight Checkpoints: 2 checkpoints, totaling $13,666.00 in fines.
Lansing Police Department
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2015 Annual Report
Training
The Lansing Police Department takes pride in the progressive training of all personnel. Officers attend
training seminars on a regular basis in the classroom hosted by North East Multi Regional Training
(NEMRT), as well as hands-on training provided by instructors from the Lansing Police Department and
other law enforcement agencies. Officers participate in lectures, view current video and computer
illustrations, and participate in hands-on practical exercises. These include legal updates, police tactics,
conflict resolution strategies, and updates on criminal proceedings.
The department conducts annual Use of Force training for all sworn personnel. This training focuses on
issues relating to an officer’s use of force during arrest situations. Practical exercises are incorporated to
ensure that the officers maintain a level of skills to increase the safety of our citizens and themselves. This
included annual training and recertification in the use of less-than-lethal tools including ASP expandable
baton, OC (pepper) spray, and the Taser electronic restraint device. Control tactics and handcuffing are
also reviewed annually to ensure compliance with the department’s use of force policy.
The Lansing Police Department recently subscribed to Courtsmart, a training service which provides up to
date legal training on issues of arrest, search, and seizure. This training was incorporated into the officer’s
briefing training.
Following the Columbine school shootings in 1999, the Lansing Police Department began annual training
in Rapid Response. This is specialized training which allows all the personnel at LPD to have training in
the response to “active shooter” incidents. This training includes very realistic scenario-based training at
school or business locations within our community. The department has involved school administrators,
educators, and other public safety entities in this training.
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Field Training Program
Once a probationary officer successfully completes the mandated academy training, that probationary
officer will be assigned to the FTP (Field Training Program). The objective of the FTP is to provide
probationary officers with the essential skills and knowledge that are necessary to function on solo patrol
duty as a Lansing Patrol Officer. That probationary officer will be under the direct supervision of a Field
Training Officer (FT0). All probationary officers must successfully complete the FTP as a condition of
employment.
The FTP will consist of a minimum of 14 weeks with an FTO. The program is broken down into four
phases. During each phase, the probationary officer is evaluated on ten assessment categories ranging
from interpersonal relationships to patrol tactics. Once they have completed all phases and the FTO
recommends release for solo patrol, the officer will be on probation and evaluated quarterly for 12 months.
The Lansing Police Department’s FTP consists of several patrol officers and detectives who have proven
themselves as dedicated officers who excel at their duties and have committed to training new officers.
Their role in a new officer’s training will be paramount in the success and future of not only the officer, but
the future of LPD and the Village of Lansing.
In 2015, three officers successfully completed the program. Officers Keith Haan and Alex Ascolani
worked as Community Service Officers for the Village. They showed such commitment to the job that the
police department decided to sponsor both officers and send them through a part-time police academy.
Once they completed the academy, they committed over 400 hours of their own time to go through the
Field Training Program and became car-qualified as part-time officers. This has paid off for Officer Haan
who was hired on as a full-time officer in April. Officer Ascolani continues to serve as a CSO and works
numerous events in town as a part-time officer.
Officer John Connor, who was hired in June 2015, attended the State Police Academy. He spent the last
14 weeks of the year completing the FTP, and was cleared for solo patrol.
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2015 Annual Report
Citizen Complaints and Internal Investigations
The Lansing Police takes great pride in serving our community through professional and courteous
interactions. These interactions can be categorized and summarized into three general categories;
general or informational, non-emergency service orientated, and emergency service orientated. While
both the non-emergency and emergency interactions are interactions which are tracked through the police
department computer aided dispatch system, the general information bearing interactions are very
informal and are usually not tracked. Altogether the department participates in well over a hundred
thousand of these interactions each and every year. And while we strive to provide the best possible
service, from time to time the police department receives complaints regarding some of these interactions.
The department takes all complaints, including anonymous complaints seriously. The department
vigorously investigates all complaints brought to our attention in an expedient and efficient manner
through a supervised formal process. Upon completion of a complaint investigation, complaints are
classified into the following four disposition categories which are listed below. The definitions of each are
also included.
Unfounded: The investigation indicates that the alleged act(s) or omission(s) did not occur or did
not involve police personnel.
Exonerated: The investigation indicates that the act(s) or omission(s) did occur, but were
justified, lawful, and proper.
Not Sustained: The investigation failed to discover sufficient evidence to clearly prove or
disprove the allegation(s) made against an employee.
Sustained: The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to clearly prove the allegation(s).
2015 Complaint Information
Based on the above information, the police department investigated five citizen complaints in 2015.
These complaints are listed below:
1 complaint regarding crossing guard conduct.
1 procedural / conduct complaint against an officer (occurred in 2014 but complaint was filed in 2015).
1 complaint based on officer’s conduct.
1 complaint based on both dispatcher and officer conduct.
1 complaint based on procedure by an officer.
Of the 5 above complaints:
2 were sustained
1 was unfounded
2 were not sustained.
Disciplinary action took place in those situations where the findings were sustained and discipline was
deemed appropriate in the situation.
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2015 Annual Report
In an effort to provide a point of reference from the past, the following is information regarding complaints
filed in 2014:
2014 Complaint Information
Based on the above information the police department investigated five citizen complaints. These
complaints are listed below:
1 procedural complaint against numerous officers.
2 procedural complaints against two different officers.
1 procedural complaint against two officers.
1 complaint based off an officer’s conduct.
Of the 5 above complaints:
3 complaints were unfounded.
2 complaints were not sustained.
The police department remains committed to maintaining the trust which our community places with us.
While we understand that there is always opportunities for improvement in any organization, the above
facts display a very low ratio of complaints compared to the amount of interactions provided. We are
extremely proud of the members of all of our staff for their courteous and professional service in which
they provide to all members of our community.
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2015 Annual Report
SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
Annual Budget
The Lansing Police Department prides itself on being fiscally responsible and spends a great deal of time
preparing for the budget, and managing the approved budget throughout the year. The Lansing Police
Department’s current budget runs from May 1, 2015 through April 30, 2016. This year’s approved
budgeted amount, via the General Fund, is $11,032,902.00. Below is a breakdown of the areas in which
the money is allocated. For comparison, we also included the previous year’s actual expenses.
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2015 Annual Report
911 Telecommunications Center
Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP)
The Village of Lansing 911 Center is the primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for the Village of
Lansing. Telecommunicators in the 911 Center handle all emergency and non-emergency calls for
Police, Fire, and EMS within the Village as well as Unincorporated Cook County, and sections of 80/94
Expressways.
The total number of phone calls processed by the Lansing 911 Center in 2015 was 107,837.
From the above processed phone calls, the following Police and Fire (EMS) calls for service were
generated:
2015
2015
Police 38,757
Fire
4,130
Staffing
The 911 Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Normal work shifts are 7a-3p, 3p-11p, and
11p-7a. There are two Telecommunicators working each shift. When fully staffed one Telecommunicator
will rotate days and afternoons allowing for three Telecommunicators to be working on some shifts.
Current staffing in the 911 Center is:
One Supervisor of Communications
One Assistant Supervisor of Communications
Nine Full-Time Telecommunicators
911 Center Training Program
The 911 Center Communications Training and Evaluation program for newly hired Telecommunicators is
reviewed and updated on an annual basis. Curriculum updates and enhancements are made to the
program as new equipment is added to the 911 Center and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in
the 911 Center are updated.
The 911 Center currently has three employees who have been certified by a Nationally Recognized
Curriculum as Communication Training Officers (CTOs). Once a new employee completes a one week
Basic Telecommunicator Training Class with the Supervisor of Communications, these CTO’s are
responsible for providing hands-on training to all newly hired personnel during their 16-week hands-on
training phase in the 911 Center.
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2015 Annual Report
Quality Assurance
The 911 Center implemented a Quality Assurance Program. The purpose of this program is to establish
standards for performance review and quality assurance in the 911 Center. This program will also
establish a framework for continuous improvement of the overall operation of the 911 Center. This
program establishes a systematic framework which is needed to ensure it consistently provides the best
possible emergency communications to the citizens of Lansing.
Premise Alert Program
The Lansing Police Department and the 911 Center have implemented a program to assist residents in
the event of an emergency. The Illinois Premise Alert Program (PAP) allows individuals with disabilities or
special needs, their families, or caregivers to register with local police, fire and/or ambulance agencies.
The information provided will supply public safety first responders with potentially life-saving information
about their conditions if called upon to provide emergency service.
In accordance with this program, the Police Department and the 911 Center have invited residents to
voluntarily submit a form regarding their conditions. Once completed, the Department is able to “flag” the
residence with the particular special needs of the resident, enabling the Telecommunicator to quickly
inform responding public safety personnel of the nature of the problem.
Bracelet Program
The Lansing Police Department and the 911 Center have implemented the “Emergency Identification
Bracelet Program”. Bracelets are for Lansing Senior Citizens (60 years of age and older), individuals and
children with disabilities or special needs. The bracelet program has been developed for identification
purposes in the event of an emergency so that the individual may be safely and quickly identified by
responding emergency personnel. The 911 Center also keeps on file the individual’s confidential
emergency contact/medical information. Any resident interested in signing up for the Bracelet Program is
asked to contact the program coordinator, Lori Fields at 895-7128.
Code Red
The Lansing Police Department utilizes the Code Red mass notification system when the need arises to
advise the public of important emergency information. Over the past year, we have utilized the Code Red
system several times, including instances where elderly subjects suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia
have wandered away from their homes. Thanks to the diligence of our residents, one missing elderly
subject was located just minutes after calls went out. The Code Red system also allows residents to sign
up for automatic severe weather alerts directly from the National Weather Service. These alerts are
delivered in the preferred manner of the resident, a phone call, text or e-mail. For those residents who do
not have a severe weather alert radio at their home, the delivery of these messages, especially during the
overnight hours, can allow someone to be ready and take the appropriate actions needed to keep their
family and themselves safe during dangerous weather conditions.
Residents interested in signing up for Code Red can visit the Village of Lansing website at
www.villageoflansing.org, or contact the Police Department for more information at our non-emergency
number 708-895-7150.
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2015 Annual Report
Records Department
The Lansing Police Department continued its commitment of providing excellent customer service to
residents and businesses requesting copies of Police records. The Records Department is currently
staffed by 1 Supervisor and 3 full-time employees who share in the responsibility of interacting with the
public. The Records Department is open Monday through Friday from 8am until 4pm.
The Records Department is also the information center for the Police Department whether it is the
detailed quality control of merging daily incoming police reports, the processing of ordinance violations, or
other department generated paperwork. All Lansing Police Department records are maintained and
processed by Records staff. Records personnel processed approximately 47,633 documents during 2015
which included police reports, arrest paperwork and citations.
In 2015 the Records Department processed along with daily police reports all the required paperwork for
8,889 tickets, 1,041 accident reports & 1,166 arrests.
The Records department is also responsible for providing Police Officers necessary documents for all
court appearances, court ordered expungements, court subpoenas, request for copies of accident reports
and processing payments for all municipal ordinance violations. It also handles request for dissemination
of information for our own use, to other agencies and to the public. While doing these requests they
maintain the confidentiality and integrity of police reports, arrest, and criminal history information both
electronically and on paper. The actions and decision must comply with all department, state and federal
laws, guidelines and confidentiality requirements.
In an effort to continue the Lansing Police Department’s recycling efforts, all court approved destruction of
outdated paperwork was once again done. This effort amounted to the total recycling of 1.51 tons of
paper which amounted to saving 26 trees, 10,588 gallons of water, 6,201 Kw of energy, 91lbs of
pollutants kept from the atmosphere and 8 cubic yards of landfill saved.
IT Department
The Management Support Supervisor, who also oversees the Records Department, is in charge of the
Police Department’s Information Technology (IT) equipment.
With the continued use of New World Systems software, which was installed in 2010, all information is
available to any computer connected to the Police Department’s Network. This availability includes all 38
desktop computers within the Police Department, 21 laptops used in marked and unmarked police
vehicles and one department tablet used by command staff.
In 2015 the IT Department continually strived to update and maintain all its electronic equipment. This
includes not only the computers but also 2 video servers, 11 servers for data/information, and our new
Avaya phone system which was installed this year. The new Avaya phone system allowed the
department to move from older phone lines to a digital system. This system allows all employees to have
a voicemail and have any messages forwarded to their village email, which is accessible on every
department computer including laptops in the squad cars.
In 2015 we purchased 4 Panasonic Toughbook laptops for use in our police vehicles. This is a continuation of the Departments goal of maintaining up to date and new technology. The department met the
mandated requirements of the Illinois State Police by not having any computers running on Microsoft
Windows XP that was accessing state databases.
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2015 Annual Report
Village Preparedness Coordinator’s Office
The Lansing Police Department has a Village Preparedness Coordinator (VPC) whose “Village wide”
position has a variety of duties and responsibilities:

The primary focus of this office is the emergency and critical incident preparedness for the entire
Village and its various Departments in order to best manage threats and hazards.

Ensure all Village Departments are NIMS (National Incident Management System) compliant in order
to work with federal, state, county, and local agencies during a critical incident such as a weather
disaster or an act of terrorism.

Primary liaison with emergency management agencies such as the U.S and County Department of
Homeland Security offices, Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS), Illinois Emergency
Management Agency (IEMA), Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).

Review and update the Police Department’s Emergency Operations Disaster Manual which provides
guidelines in managing natural and man-made critical incidents.

Liaison with all of the Lansing schools’ crisis teams in providing training in the area of lockdowns as
well as assisting in creating, reviewing and updating the schools’ crisis plans yearly. Liaison with local
businesses in the area of crisis planning.

Review and create Village crime maps and statistics reports which are utilized by the Police
Department and also posted onto the Village website
Currently Sgt. Gabe Barajas functions as the VCP and works in partnership with other Village
Departments, local churches, businesses, schools, and community organizations.
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2015 Annual Report
Special Events
The Police Department provides security and traffic control for a number of special events throughout the
year. These events include the Good Neighbor Day Parade, Lansing Autumn Fest, July 4th activities, 5K
races, the L.O.O.P. bicycle ride, fundraisers, high school sporting events, the annual cruise nights/car
shows, and other public gatherings requiring or requesting assistance with their event.
Many of these special events attract large amounts of people and vehicles, which can create traffic and
safety issues in and around the event. The Police Department utilizes resources from the Patrol Division,
Part-Time Police Officers and the Police Cadets for traffic and crowd control to ensure that everyone has
a safe and enjoyable time.
The Village Preparedness Coordinator works closely with special event planners from the Village and
community groups to develop operational plans for the events and determine what resources are needed.
Then works with other Village departments such as the Fire Department and Public Works to ensure that
all the proper personnel and resources are available.
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2015 Annual Report
Building & Vehicle Operations
The Police Department’s facility includes an automated indoor Range, K-9 Training facility, and Tactical
Training Building, which includes a Firearms Training Simulator. The main facility also has a courtroom,
which is used for Village Board Meetings, Municipal Ordinance hearings, Lansing and South Holland
Traffic Court, Heating/Cooling Center, Neighborhood Watch Meetings, as well as other events. Off site,
we also maintain an outdoor range, which is used mostly for rifle training. Recently, the outdoor range
was modified to have taller and wider berms for increased safety.
The Police Department’s vehicle fleet and building maintenance is managed by the Administrative
Sergeant of Support Services. In addition to the daily use vehicles, we have several specialty vehicles
like the NASQUAD, the Special Response vehicle (Crime Scene Investigation), K-9 car, and the
Emergency Response Vehicle. Furthermore, the Department was awarded a grant this year, which was
used to purchase a new Radar/message trailer, which will be used in addition to our other Radar trailer
which has been in service for several years. All Police Department vehicles are on a comprehensive
maintenance program and are serviced every 3,000 miles. In addition, as vehicles need repair, they are
completed quickly to ensure the fleet is in optimal operational condition and safe for our officers daily
needs. Currently the Police Department is transitioning toward replacing its Ford Crown Victoria police
vehicle with the new Ford Police Explorer SUV’s. Ford no longer manufactures the Crown Victoria and
the Explorers have proven to be a better overall vehicle. The Ford Explorer is both better on gas mileage
and highly effective in snowy, winter conditions. Officers also enjoy the Ford Explorer’s for their comfort
and additional space inside.
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2015 Annual Report
Community Policing
The Lansing Police Department has embraced Community Policing ever since the 1990’s when federal
grants were made available to U.S. police departments through the U.S. Justice Department for the
purpose of establishing community policing programs.
In its early inception, The Lansing Police Department Community Policing program had only two officers
who concentrated on community issues. Today, Community Policing at the Lansing Police Department
has evolved into a department wide philosophy in which all officers, from the top down, are expected to
engage residents and address their concerns for the betterment of the entire Lansing community.
Some of the programs and events born out of the LPD Community Policing philosophy over the years are:
Neighborhood Watch, Operation PEEP, National Night Out Against Crime, Citizen and Senior Citizen
Police Academies, NASQUAD, Lansing Rental Housing Program, graffiti removal programs, D.A.N.G.E.R.
(formerly DARE and GREAT programs), Coffee With a Cop, Cop on Rooftop and various other Speaker
Bureau/ Crime prevention type events.
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2015 Annual Report
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch consists of neighbors who are committed to maintaining the safety and quality of life
on their residential block. The Neighborhood Watch success relies on citizens to organize
themselves, work with the Lansing Police Department through a Neighborhood Police Liaison, and keep a
trained eye on their neighborhood. It is through that persistent presence that criminals are deterred or not
given the opportunity to commit a crime. Participants also have the opportunity to communicate their
safety and quality of life concerns to the assigned liaison’s, who will work to resolve emerging
neighborhood problems.
The Lansing Police Department has long supported the notion that involved residents who work in
conjunction with the police are the most successful in reducing crime. In Lansing, Neighborhood Watch
groups work with their respective “beat officers” to prevent crime and maintain security in their individual
neighborhoods. There are four Watch Groups to represent the four patrol beats, as listed on page 10 of
this report. Each watch group is assigned to designated officers. This allows the group to deal with the
same group of officers on a regular basis and for the officers to become familiar with the residents and
their issues.
Each Neighborhood Watch has a designated “Neighborhood Police Liaison” who will be responsible for
coordinating the group. The liaison will also:
 Keep the contact information current for the neighborhood watch group.
 Communicate Crime Alert information to the group.
 Assist in holding meetings to discuss neighborhood issues (frequency decided by group).
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2015 Annual Report
D. A. N. G. E. R. Program
The 2014-2015 school year marked the fifth complete school year of the Lansing Police Department’s
D.A.N.G.E.R. curriculum. D.A.N.G.E.R. , which is an acronym for Drugs, Alcohol, Nicotine, Gangs,
Education and Resistance, was developed to be a hybrid program which covers many of the same topics
as DARE and GREAT, both programs which were formerly taught by the Lansing Police Department at
our grade schools. Being an in-house program, DANGER gives our instructors the flexibility to cover a
wider array of topics. Topics that are in tune with the social challenges our youth face today such as
designer drugs, bullying, internet safety, and more. Parents, students, school Administrators, and
teachers, have given the DANGER program high praise on a regular basis.
During the last school year, the DANGER program was taught in 36 grade school classes, at 10 schools
in Lansing. The DANGER program impacted over 750 children last year. The 10 week course is taught
to students in the 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th grades. An Officer visits each class once a week for 45-50 minutes.
Students are encouraged to participate and are given prizes for their involvement. At the end of the
program, students are given a certificate and a DANGER T-shirt. For the last two years, the program
was partially funded through a Walmart grant. The program is supported with drug asset forfeiture funds.
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2015 Annual Report
Engaging our community in public safety efforts is a top priority of the Lansing Police Department. We
share the community’s concerns and make every effort to address them. In 2014 we kicked off a new
program entitled Coffee with a Cop, which is a national movement that aims to build trust between
community members and police officers, one cup of coffee at a time.
It’s a simple concept: Police Officers and community members come together in an informal, neutral
setting like a restaurant to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. In over 80
cities in 24 states, Coffee with a Cop has done wonders for community trust and partnership building.
One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that it removes the physical barriers that routinely exist
between police officers and community members, allowing for the relaxed, one-on-one interactions
which are the necessary foundation of partnerships. Informal contact in a friendly atmosphere increases
trust between police officers and the members of our community which is critical to public safety and
problem solving. Each year we have hosted two Coffee with a Cop events. The first one in 2015 was
held at IHOP on May 19th, the second event was held at McDonald’s on November 7th. During the
events, we spoke with approximately 30 people. The discussions ranged from current events to specific
problems in the community.
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2015 Annual Report
The Lansing Police Department, along with communities all across the country, celebrated National Night
Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. The event was held at Lan Oak Park from 5pm to 9pm. National Night
Out is a cohesive effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community
partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie, and send a message to criminals letting them know that
neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. This was the first time in six years that the Police
Department hosted this event. The National Night Out was a great success and saw approximately 300
participants. Visitors viewed Village owned vehicles and met members of the Police & Fire Departments
and Village Board. The Department grilled 550 hot dogs, for all to enjoy. There were many items given
away, such as flashlights, gun locks, coloring books, whistles, and wrist bands. A free raffle was also held
throughout the evening, with prizes that included gift certificates, personal safes, and motion lights.
Residents enjoyed a K-9 demonstration from Officer Jason Klausner and his partner, Yakea. Bobby Hunt
performed a Stunt/magic show for spectators. Other activities included a bouncy house, face painting,
games, and the Lansing Fire Department’s safety house. 26 businesses and organizations participated
and helped sponsor the event. The department also received several cash donations for a total of $3,200
from corporate sponsors, who were interested in sponsoring the activities. The National Night Out was
such a positive interaction between the police and the community that we have already started planning
our 2016 National Night out.
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2015 Annual Report
NASQUAD
The Lansing Police Department has a unique tool that bonds its citizens with the members of the Police
Department. The NASQUAD is a 1998 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, which is a retired K-9
vehicle. Through a partnership between businesses and the agency, the Police Department transformed
this police car into a race type vehicle. It is used to encourage interactions between citizens and the
police and is a great advertising tool for the Village of Lansing. The vehicle is on display at various
events, such as the Lansing Cruise Nights, Good Neighbor Day Parade, National Night Out, and is
brought to the schools in Lansing as a D.A.N.G.E.R. vehicle. The vehicle has also been requested for
various private and public events, both within Lansing and in surrounding communities. Some of these
events are block parties, school events, LARC Benefit, parades, and car shows. This year, the vehicle
has won several awards, such as Best in Show from Phillips Chevrolet, Outstanding in Class from
American Warrior initiative, and Top-Notch Ride from Cruise on Ridge.
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2015 Annual Report
Lansing Rental Housing Program
The Lansing Rental Housing Program is a crime prevention program designed to help residents,
landlords, managers of residential rental properties, and the police keep drugs and other illegal activity off
residential rental properties. All landlords with rental property in the Village of Lansing are required to
attend training that provides information on valuable strategies for managing rental properties. The Police
Department hosts these classes four to five times a year, depending on the amount of landlords who
need to attend the class. The success of this program hinges on the cooperative efforts of the Building
and Police departments within the village.
The Building Department is very active in the Rental Housing Program, they handle the application
process, building inspections, and scheduling landlords for classes. The Lansing Police Department
shares a strong working relationship with the Building Department and always seeks to improve the
efficiency of the program.
The crime-free addendum is the backbone of the program. This document is signed by the tenant and
assures the tenant will not allow criminal activity to occur in and around their unit or they could face
possible eviction. It applies to the tenants, their family, and any friends who may visit or live at the
location. This addendum is a court-tested, proven tool for the landlords to effectively deal with problem
tenants.
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2015 Annual Report
School Crossing Guards
Adult school crossing guards play an important role in the lives of children who walk or bicycle to
school. They help children safely cross the street at key locations. They also remind drivers of the
presence of pedestrians. The presence of adult crossing guards can lead to more parents feeling
comfortable about their children walking or bicycling to school. A guard plays another key function
as a role model helping children develop the skills necessary to cross streets safely at all times.
The primary responsibility of an adult school crossing guard is to help children safely cross the
street as they walk or bicycle to and from school.
A well-trained adult school crossing guard can help to accomplish the following goals:

Discourage children from behaving unsafely near traffic, such as darting into the street without
looking or crossing against a traffic signal. A guard can encourage safe behavior by all
pedestrians at the school crossing.

Use existing gaps in traffic to help students cross safely. When the natural traffic flow does not
allow enough time for children to safely cross a street, a guard may need to create gaps by
stopping traffic temporarily. The guard stops traffic with hand signals or a STOP paddle, then
verbally directs children to cross the street. A guard is always the first person in the street and
the last person out of the street.

Alert motorists that pedestrians are in the process of using the school crossing.

Observe and report any incidents or conditions that present a potential safety hazard to the
school children or the guard.
We have relied on the input from school officials, our crossing guard staff, and our own observations
to determine the best deployment of our crossing guards. We currently employ 38 crossing guards,
who report to the Sergeant of Support Services. These crossing are deployed at 27 different
intersections throughout the Village of Lansing. School Crossing Guards have also been used for
special events, such as the Good Neighbor Day Parade and Autumn Fest.
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2015 Annual Report
Lansing Police Department
Partners Up
with
Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics of Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of sports for nearly 21,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and more than
18,500 young athletes, from ages 2-7, with and without intellectual disabilities. Through training and
competition, Special Olympics enhances their physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, and social
skills. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by giving them
continuing opportunities to experience joy, demonstrate courage, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills
and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes, and their communities.
For over two decades the Lansing Police Department has been involved with the Special Olympics of
Illinois by actively raising money locally. In 2015 the Department raised over $4,000 in support of Special
Olympics of Illinois. Our efforts have an impact locally as Lansing is home to the Knights of Columbus
swim team which has athletes with disabilities competing at year round Special Olympics sporting events.
Several of the athletes also compete and qualify to attend the Special Olympics summer games.
In 2015 the Department raised money by selling Special Olympics items. Officers were joined by local
athletes in the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run event. Several Officers also raised
money by participating in the annual Dunkin Donuts “Cop on Top” event.
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2015 Annual Report
Special Enforcement
For the past two years, the Lansing Police Department has teamed up with the Illinois Liquor Commission,
to perform liquor compliance checks at Lansing area liquor stores and bars. The objective is to have
teenage subjects enter various establishments in Lansing in order to see if these individuals are able to
purchase alcohol. Individuals have valid, state issued identification that clearly shows they are less than
21 years of age. The first check was in April of 2014. Out of fifteen businesses that were checked, seven
sold to the teenage participants. In 2015, we have performed two checks. The first check had fourteen
out of seventeen that were in compliance and three businesses were found to be in violation. The second
check had similar results with ten out of thirteen being in compliance and three were found to be in
violation. When a business is in violation, the State Liquor Commission cites the business for the
violation. The clerk who sold the alcohol is cited with a Village Municipal Ordinance citation. The Lansing
Police Department is working diligently with the State Liquor Commission to get one hundred percent
compliance.
The Lansing Police Department is part of a state sponsored initiative called the Tobacco Enforcement
Program. The overall objective is to reduce youth access to tobacco products in the retail environment.
Three times a year, an Officer will have a person under the age of 18 enter various establishments in
Lansing that sell tobacco products, in order to see if this individual is able to purchase tobacco. The
individual has a valid, state issued identification card that clearly shows they are less than 18 years of
age. The first check was in March and out of the eleven businesses which sell tobacco two had violated
the State Statute and Village Ordinance. These two businesses were issued citations. However, in May,
the clerks’ at all eleven businesses checked asked for identification and the subject was denied sale of the
tobacco products. This program is funded through a state grant for $1,100.
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2015 Annual Report
Grant Writing Committee
Overview
The Lansing Police Department established a grant writing committee in 2015 in order to more effectively
research, complete applications for, and manage grant opportunities available to the Lansing Police
Department. The committee is headed by the Criminal Investigations Lieutenant and has five additional
members on the committee. All members have received training in the process of grant research, grant
writing, and the management of grants.
FY 2014-2015 Grants
The Lansing Police Department had two awarded grants in the 2014 - 2015 fiscal year. Those grants were
the federally funded Bullet Proof Vest Partnership Grant (applied for in 2013) and the state funded
Tobacco Enforcement Grant.
FY 2015-2016 Grants
The number of grant applications made by the Lansing Police Department significantly increased in 2015
after the development of the Grant Writing Committee.
The Lansing Police Department was awarded $7,715 in funding through the 2015 Bullet Proof Vest
Partnership. This grant helps pay for new and replacement bulletproof vests for Lansing Police Officers.
The Lansing Police Department was awarded $9,895.00 from the ComEd-National Safety Council
Community Safety Program. Those funds have been used for the purchase of a new radar trailer. This is
the inaugural of this grant, and the Lansing Police Department was one of only 17 agencies awarded
funding through this opportunity.
The Lansing Police Department was awarded $1,430.00 from the Illinois Liquor Commission for the
2015-2016 Tobacco Enforcement Grant. Those funds will be used towards enforcement of local and state
tobacco laws and education.
The Lansing Police Department was awarded $1,000.00 from CSX as a part of their “Beyond our Rails”
grant program. Those funds will be used towards railroad safety education and law enforcement.
Several other grant applications were completed in 2015, whose award decisions are still pending.
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2015 Annual Report
IN MEMORY
OFFICER KEN “KENNY” NOVAK #612
On April 8, 1992 Officer Ken “Kenny” Novak stopped to assist what appeared to be a routine disabled
vehicle in the area of 172nd and Oak Avenue. He was soon joined by another officer, Officer George
Dragicevich, who was his backup officer. This “routine” incident became anything but, as gunshots soon
rang out. During the exchange Officer Ken “Kenny” Novak lost his life, while Officer George Dragicevich
was critically injured.
Officer Novak will forever be in the hearts of the men and women of the Lansing Police Department that
continue to serve the Village of Lansing.
Lansing Police Department
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