Swoboda replaces Womack as new Elgin police chief
A new era has begun at the Elgin Police Department.
City officials Thursday morning announced that Jeffrey A. Swoboda will be sworn in Friday as Elgin's new police chief, quickly filling the opening created by the departure of former Chief Lisa Womack.
Swoboda, 40, has served as acting chief since Womack was placed on leave March 10.
City Manager Sean Stegall said the 18-year department veteran worked his way up in the department from the Resident Officer Program of Elgin (ROPE) program to deputy chief.
"Jeff has been and will continue to be committed to the citizens of Elgin," Stegall said. "Jeff will be the first ROPE officer to become chief of police. It's a big moment for the community. Jeff understands the importance of promoting citizenship and working with neighborhood groups."
Swoboda, who has led each of the department's three bureaus as deputy chief, said he is privileged to serve the city and that the department will make better use of technology when it comes to crime fighting.
"As a ROPE officer, I learned how important is was to really listen to citizens, identify concerns of a neighborhood and develop solutions for the good of the entire community," he said.
"As the new chief, I will be focusing on crime - on getting information quickly, analyzing it and turning it into intelligence so we can solve crime quickly. We will use technology and all our resources wisely. We also will better leverage our federal partnerships to go after criminals," he said.
Swoboda, who lives with his wife in Elgin, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Aurora University and a master's in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University.
He also holds a certificate of graduate studies in public administration from Northern Illinois University and is working on a master's in business administration at North Central College. He made $123,969 last year. His new salary has not been determined.
Womack was hired in August 2005 after the city conducted a national search. Stegall said no outside search was needed this time around.
"Jeff possesses all of the qualities I would want in a chief of police. Not some of them - all of them," Stegall said. "There is no question regarding his commitment to the community."
Mayor Ed Schock also noted Swoboda's experience in the ROPE program, as well as his deep Elgin roots. The mayor said Swoboda is very bright, sincere and dedicated.
"He's very professional and well regarded by his colleagues," Schock said. "People respect him because he works hard and puts a lot of thought into decisions he makes."
The swearing-in ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.