Naperville deputy chief to serve as interim chief while city conducts national search
Naperville Police Chief Robert Marshall recognized the leadership potential in Deputy Chief Jason Arres nearly eight years ago, when he was a sergeant tasked with spearheading an initiative to install cameras in squad cars.
When Arres became a patrol commander, his knowledge and proficiency were evident, Marshall said. And when he moved into the office of professional standards and became the public information officer, he demonstrated the communication skills needed to one day lead the department.
That's why, when Marshall retires Friday after a 44-year career in Naperville, he knows his officers and the community are in good hands, he says. Arres has been chosen to serve as interim chief while the city conducts a national search for Marshall's replacement.
"I can retire knowing that the department is well-positioned for continued success," Marshall told the Daily Herald. "I have a tremendous successor in Deputy Chief Arres. I've been mentoring and coaching him, and he's well respected by the men and women of this department, as well as by the community."
City Manager Doug Krieger appointed Arres to lead the department's 275 employees and daily operations while the city moves through the formal hiring process, which is expected to take about 16 weeks, according to a news release from the city.
He has moved up the ranks since starting as a patrol officer two decades ago. He was promoted to deputy chief in early 2017 and has overseen the investigations and patrol divisions, as well as the Public Safety Answering Point dispatch center.
During his career, Arres has also worked as a K9 officer, an undercover detective for the Special Enforcement Unit, a detective in the Intelligence Unit and a member of the department's Special Response Team. He led the launch of the department's interactive online crime map and its Facebook page.
"He has demonstrated his strong character and significant value to the police department and the community time and again," Mayor Steve Chirico said in a statement supporting the appointment.
Naperville officials have contracted with consulting firm GovHR to conduct a nationwide search for applicants to join internal candidates for the chief position. Those who are most qualified will be invited to participate in a series of panel interviews.
"The city of Naperville has a strong reputation as a safe city with an outstanding police department. We owe it to our community to make sure we look at every qualified applicant to preserve this success," Krieger said. "I have the utmost confidence in Deputy Chief Arres' ability to step into this role and effectively lead the department while we go through that process."
Arres has a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Northern Illinois University and a master's degree in public safety administration from Lewis University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Virginia; the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety's School of Police Staff and Command; and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organizations school.
Upon his retirement, Marshall says he intends to continue acting as a resource to the city and Arres.
"I am humbled and honored to be asked to lead the department during this transition from Chief Marshall's leadership," Arres said in a statement. "Having worked for, and learned from, Chief Marshall for many years, I am confident I am up to the task of maintaining operations and helping this department continue to thrive after the chief's well-earned retirement."