Lincolnshire names new police chief

The Lincolnshire village board has named Peter Kinsey to lead the police department as its new chief.

Kinsey, who currently is with the Arlington Heights Police Department, will be Lincolnshire’s third chief since 1971. He will begin his duties June 6.

“I look forward to the great opportunities and new challenges with a new department,” he said Tuesday.

Working in Cook County his entire career, including the first two years as a Streamwood police officer, Kinsey said he has no plans to make changes quickly and added he wants to take time to learn as much as he can about the department, village personnel and residents.

“I want to get to know the community before I look to take the department in any particular direction,” he said.

Kinsey was chosen from a pool of 60 applicants after the village conducted a national search to replace Randall Melvin. Melvin retired last November after serving as chief for 14 years.

“We were impressed during the interview process,” Mayor Brett Blomberg said. “He will bring some fresh ideas to the department.”

Earning bachelor and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University, Kinsey furthered his education at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Ky.

He has 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 30 in Arlington Heights. Since 2007, Kinsey has served as captain for the administrative services division.

“Pete has a wealth of law enforcement experience, a strong belief in open communication and the tools to further improve our already outstanding police department,” Lincolnshire Village Manager Bob Irvin said. “He will lead the department to effectively deliver the law enforcement services that our residents, businesses and visitors deserve.”

Cmdr. John Kleffner, who has served as interim chief since Melvin’s departure, will retire June 4. Kleffner, who has served the Lincolnshire department for 31 years, said the village has acquired someone with good credentials who can lead the department for many years.

“The village needs someone who can be a longtime chief,” he said.