Algonquin officer recognized for domestic violence work

A 17-year veteran of the Algonquin Police Department has received a statewide award for his extensive work in the area of domestic and family violence.

Sgt. Brett Wisnauski was given the Benjamin K. Miller Award and a commendation from the state legislature earlier this month. Wisnauski has served on the steering and court and law enforcement committees of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating Council since it was established in 2007.

His work with combating domestic violence goes back almost 15 years, when he was chosen to serve as the department's liaison for the Law Enforcement Advocacy Program, Wisnauski said. “That's where I got to learn more about the problem — the psychological, emotional, financial and sociological issues,” he said.

The LEAP program is now run by Turning Point of McHenry County, whose executive director Jane Farmer called Wisnauski “a true advocate for justice.”

Over the years, Wisnauski has conducted trainings for law enforcement officers, judges, probation officers and advocates throughout the state.

He developed a resource guide for officers on firearms and domestic violence and is a statewide trainer on orders of protection.

Wisnauski said when he trains fellow officers in dealing with domestic violence situations, he stresses the major role they play in protecting those who sometimes can't protect themselves.

“(Officers') actions or failure to act can either help stop a problem or empower others to continue to offend,” he said. “The stakes involved are very high; they are literally life and death stakes.”

Domestic violence cases — which represent more than 50 percent of calls to which officers respond — test officers like no other, he said.

“There is no other call that requires every bit of skill, knowledge and information they have,” he said, including tactical response, crisis intervention and interrogation skills, plus writing solid reports and testifying effectively in court. “Not much else in the job requires all those same things.”

Algonquin Police Deputy Chief Ed Urban said Wisnauski has put a lot of effort into streamlining the department's approach to domestic violence cases.

“His commitment comes from the heart. He is serious in making sure that whatever cases we have, the victim gets all the help that's needed.”