VOP Winter 2016

POLICE PROGRAMMING

ORLAND PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT: FROM HUMBLE BEGINNING TO NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP “A lot of people don’t know about all that the Police Department offers for different groups,” said Trustee Dan Calandriello, chair of the village’s Public Safety Committee. “They go out to talk to and train businesses, work with seniors, offer events in the neighborhoods, introduce law enforcement to teens and bring kids through the station for tours to learn about the department.” “Our personnel work closely with residents, seniors, and businesses to create and maintain working relationships that benefit the entire community,” said Chief Tim McCarthy.

The Orland Park Police Department was created shortly after the village was incorporated in 1892, yet was not among the three original departments. Orland Park’s one police officer was responsible for lighting the street lights and starting the water pumps. What began as a one person department has grown into a nationally recognized, award-winning professional law enforcement agency with 101 full-time sworn officers, nine part-time sworn officers and 75 civilian personnel. “The Orland Park Police Department is the best department in the State of Illinois, if not the country,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “The list of accomplishments and outreach programs that our police department offers is second to none.”

12

| WINTER 2016