Patrolling gives Schaumburg police good feel for community
The spring session of Schaumburg's Citizens Police Academy recently covered a big element of police work most everyone is aware of -- patrols.
But how the officers methodically approach their jobs is something most people don't really know -- or have a false impression of.
Basically, the more you think you know from TV shows, the less you probably know about the reality of it.
On patrol:Ã…'The department's patrol bureau is basically the front line in responding to and preventing crime.
Because Schaumburg is dived into 10 geographical beats, patrol officers become very familiar with the people and places on their beat.
As I mentioned last week, the nature of each beat does change significantly from one eight-hour shift to another. While a daytime officer may become well-known by the business owners on his or her beat, a midnight officer may be more familiar with the people responsible for frequent noise complaints or domestic disturbances.
Aiming to maintain strong communication with the community, the department conducts monthly beat meetings for the public at the police station.
The beat meetings are an opportunity to express particular concerns as well as build a general awareness of what's going on in the area.
Clearing up a misconception most people have, patrol officers said they don't have to meet a certain quota of tickets. However, just like the paperwork at many jobs, the tickets they write are proof that they're being productive and not just driving around for eight hours a day.
Police academy members will be given an opportunity in upcoming weeks to ride along with patrol officers.
An evolution of approach:Ã…' The academy covers a bit of the history of modern-day policing, as well.
It was the bobbies of 1890s England, established by Sir Robert Peel, that began the trend toward making police forces less militaristic in appearance and attitude.
This has continued to be refined to today's community policing approach, as well as such programs as Neighborhood Watch, Crime Free Multi-Housing, Officer Friendly and DARE.
Though the effectiveness of Drug Abuse Resistance Education has been criticized by some over the years, most departments still feel strongly that some kind of educational program is better than none at all, Sgt. John Nebl said.
• Staff Writer Eric Peterson is enrolled in this spring's session of the Schaumburg Citizens Police Academy and is writing about his experiences in this weekly column. Many area police departments offer such academies so check with yours if you're interested in participating.