Rolling Meadows apartment checkpoints could last the summer

The first two days of a police checkpoint at 12 Oaks at Woodfield apartments went so well police may leave the 13 barricades up all summer, Rolling Meadows City Manager Ton Melena said.

"It all depends on the reaction and what happens in the next few weeks," Melena said.

On Monday, 13 of the complex's entrances were blocked off with concrete barriers and construction horses. Two police officers ran a checkpoint in front of the only open driveway. Every driver who entered was stopped and told to roll down the window.

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Police are passing out pamphlets on crime prevention and social services. They are not asking for identification or driver's licenses, Rolling Meadows officials said.

Domestic violence, theft and noise complaints are common at 12 Oaks, Police Chief Steven Williams said Tuesday. The checkpoint and having two uniformed officers at the complex every day will reduce those crimes, he said.

Williams said police responded to the following calls between Jan. 1 and April 23 at 12 Oaks, which is located southwest of Route 53 and Algonquin Road:

bull; 43 noise complaints.

bull; 32 domestic disputes.

bull; 11 criminal damage to vehicles reports.

bull; 5 motor vehicle thefts.

bull; 11 burglaries.

Residents have responded positively to the checkpoints so far, Williams said.

"People were smiling and waving to us -- they were happy," Williams said. "A few people brought out water to the police officers."

A few drivers pulled a U-turn when they saw police instead of going through the checkpoints, Williams said.

"They weren't coming in for a reason," he said. "They left, and we didn't chase them."

A few weeks ago, Rolling Meadows police surveyed residents at the apartment complex. About a third of the complex's residents responded, he said, and about 77 percent of those said they wanted a greater police presence.

Between 1,800 and 2,000 people live at 12 Oaks, including about 300 children, said Michael Sparks, the owner of the complex. Sparks claims the police are trying to ruin his business with the checkpoint and barricades.

"If I were to dream up a way for the police to run me out of business, I couldn't think of a better plan," Sparks said on Monday. "I'm at a loss. I have never in my 40 years of experience heard of a police department doing something like this."

Tuesday, Sparks said his lawyers will talk to Rolling Meadows officials about the checkpoints. He also passed out the phone number of the American Civil Liberties Union office in Chicago to his residents.

Williams said that security at the complex has failed, which is why the police are stepping in.

"Management is saying one thing, but people who live there are whispering to us different things," he said.