Inverness police to roll out today
From assembling furniture to familiarizing themselves with the most hidden of cul-de-sacs, the members of the brand-new Inverness Police Department are ready to go, Chief Robert Haas Jr. said.
Though the department isn't scheduled officially to break off from the Barrington police and begin its work until Friday, there will be a soft opening of sorts at noon today when 911 service switches from CenCom to the Northwest Central Dispatch System.
That's also when Haas and one of his sergeants will make their first official patrol of the village.
"It'll be nice for Inverness to have a police department it can call its own," Haas said.
Inverness officials have said that starting their own force will save $1.3 million over five years. In early 2008, trustees unanimously rejected Barrington's five-year, $10.1 million contract to continue service to Inverness.
Haas, a 27-year law enforcement veteran and Inverness resident, decided to move the 911 switch up by 12 hours so that any problems can be dealt with during business hours.
In recent weeks, Haas and Village President Jack Tatooles have met with eight homeowners groups to discuss the new department and for Haas to share his philosophy on policing.
"Don't think you're bothering us. Don't be afraid to call the police," Haas said, adding residents should dial 911 for any police service, "not just emergencies."
The department's 13 officers, who have a combined 355 years in law enforcement experience, have also taken part in many round-table discussions to draft policies on everything from report taking to scheduling. Their most recent positions were with the Palatine, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Glenview and Wheeling police forces.
They've also been assembling furniture as a way to cut costs from the $1.5 million annual budget. Haas said a defunct Schaumburg business donated several pieces over the weekend, so most of the station is furnished.
Inverness splitting off has forced Barrington to scale back. Six veteran officers, including Chief Jeff Lawler, took early retirement packages and will end their careers there Friday. Deputy Chief Jerry Libit is running the Barrington department in the interim.