Key questions addressed at Hanover Park forum
Four recent homicides in Hanover Park have left residents desperate for answers from police and officials about how to increase safety in the village.
An emotional crowd topping more than 300 people gathered Wednesday night at Laurel Hill Elementary School for a gang awareness forum.
In his brief remarks, Mayor Rod Craig discussed the importance of neighbors building relationships and engaging with kids. Police then gave a presentation on the gangs in Hanover Park, as well as how parents can identify gang activity in their children.
A question-and-answer segment followed. Here is a sampling of what residents had on their minds. Answers, which were fielded by Craig and police officers, are paraphrased except when they're in quotations.
What is the police department doing to guarantee our safety?
We have suspended all administrative operations and put every single police officer on the street. We're flooding areas with as many officers as we can. We're getting commitment from other agencies to get multiple jurisdictions into our town. The state police is supposed to send out officers. How long will that last?
It's not going to last forever. "We have to train, we have to budget, we have to schedule and do all the things a department has to do," said Ron Moser, interim village manager and police chief. "We can't put everyone at the line, but we'll hold it as long as we can." Two officers set to graduate the police academy will join the department soon.
What about the long term?
The police department has applied for a grant under the stimulus plan worth about $865,000. Three officers would be hired with the money. "I met with (U.S. Rep Peter) Roskam and he's trying to get an answer as to whether hiring officers now would jeopardize the grant," Mayor Rod Craig said. "I'm not going to jeopardize that money to rush ahead."
Why can't the police department just arrest everyone standing around on the corner?
If they're just standing there, they're not committing any crimes. The police department has to work within the law. "Standing around is not mob action," Sgt. Joe Ciancio said. "We can't do it."
What if they flash a gang sign, can police arrest them then?
"Probably not," interim Chief David Webb said. "We employ other strategies if they're underage and look at whether they've been drinking, smoking or past curfew. Sometimes people are just standing on a corner."
Are there any crime prevention programs in place?
All the department's crime prevention programs, including neighborhood watch, were ultimately cut due to budget constraints. Those officers were instead put on the street. "Once our staffing levels are back up, we'll look to re-implement the programs," Webb said.
Is there a charge to remove the graffiti?
It's free of charge. We'll ask you to sign a waiver.
What can we do about our kids using computers and texting?
Monitor their use, make sure the computer is in a common area and limit your child's use. Remember who pays the bill. Parents have the right and responsibility to enter a child's bedroom.