Mundelein deputy police chief recognized

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police has designated Mundelein Deputy Police Chief Eric Guenther a certified eligible police chief, village officials announced.

Guenther received the recognition through the association’s police chief certification program.

This designation signifies that Guenther has met the highest standards of competency and conduct for his profession.

To be eligible for consideration, those interested in pursuing certification must first meet the association’s criteria for experience, education, professional membership, and community involvement.

In the first phase of the process, candidates must demonstrate extensive law enforcement experience, including command and executive posts, a solid educational background that encompasses continuing education and training and an active participation in relevant professional and community organizations.

After meeting these requirements, candidates are allowed to proceed with the certification examination, which tests their knowledge of managerial concepts, modern policing concepts, law and leading cases, and budgeting principles.

Candidates who demonstrate their mastery in these areas must then face a panel of their peers, consisting of three active Illinois police chiefs. During the structured interview, the panel questions and evaluates the candidate in the areas of leadership, management, public relations, verbal communication and ethics.

Only those who have successfully completed all phases of the assessment process are granted certification.

The program started in 1998.

Illinois is the only state that offers a police chief certification program based on an extensive, legally validated examination process.

To maintain certification status, police command staff must meet ongoing requirements and apply for recertification every five years.