Mount Prospect chooses veteran police officer for new community relations post

Mount Prospect village trustees talked in May about beefing up their town's police force, which at the time was operating at staffing levels from more than a decade ago.

One of the positions they hoped to add was a new community relations officer.

Officials made good on that promise, appointing Officer Mark Bechtold to the newly created position. In that role, his duties will include furthering the department's community policing strategy and implementing innovative community engagement initiatives.

Bechtold will work alongside Crime Prevention Officer Greg Sill.

A 25-year veteran of the force, Bechtold has served as a juvenile, elder service, and field training officer, and is a longtime member of the department's Honor Guard.

He grew up in Mount Prospect, having attended Lions Park Elementary, Lincoln Middle and Prospect High schools.

"I love my hometown, and it has been an honor to serve Mount Prospect all these years," he said. "I look forward to this next chapter in my police career, which allows me to partner with the amazing residents, businesses, and community groups in an expanded way."