VOP Winter 2016

POLICE PROGRAMMING

SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING – NOW! The Department of Homeland Security began the national “See Something – Say Something” campaign and the Orland Park Police Department uses it as well. Hand-outs were created specifically for the thousands of dog walkers in the community encouraging them to be the eyes and ears of the department by reporting anything on their routes that seems amiss. One of the most visible village departments, the police department employs different modes of travel for its officers. The easily recognizable red, white and blue squads are familiar as are the bicycle patrol officers. The department has a motorcycle unit and officers who patrol on foot. SPECIAL OLYMPICS The Orland Park Police Department has long been a law enforcement partner helping Special Olympics Illinois with a number of fundraisers throughout the year. Police personnel volunteer for a number of events including the annual bike ride, Torch Run, Cop on a Rooftop and other Special Olympics events. Photo, opposite page: Employees of the Orland Park Police Department participated in a bicycle ride for Special Olympics Illinois hosted by the department in August. Pictured are (left-right): Officer Bill Sanchez, Officer Tony Carone, Officer Brandon Eppolito, Officer Jackie Priede, OPPD Clerk Marybeth Shaughnessy, Officer Kristina Fitzgibbons and Officer Chris Losurdo.

“Our Retail Detail includes uniformed officers walking around the commercial areas, greeting people and keeping an eye on things,” McCarthy explained. “This program has received a great response because people enjoy talking to the officers. They send their kids over to say hello and it’s a great way for the officers to get to know the community.” CRISIS INTERVENTION The department’s Crisis Intervention Team trains officers who volunteer for specialized training on how to respond to incidents involving a person with mental illness. The objective is to get these individuals the mental health services they need rather than sending them to jail. “Orland Park is one of the few departments in the area to have specially trained, certified officers who are able to help people in crisis,” Calandriello said. The department was also a charter member of the mayor’s Orland Park Substance Awareness Forum (OPSAF), joining agencies from throughout the region to help battle addiction. It was within the past few years that Orland Park police personnel were trained to administer the overdose antidote Naloxone also known as Narcan to stop heroin overdoses. “Narcan is widely used now and it’s very safe,” McCarthy said. “Most of our officers are trained and equipped with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and Narcan. They are proven life savers.”

ORLAND PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS Beat Meetings Bike Patrol Business Safety Talks Church Safety Talks Citizens’ Police Academy Coffee With A Cop Cook Out With The Cops Crime Free Rental Housing Crisis Intervention Team DARE Dog Walkers’ Program Drone Drug Take Back Housing Groups Safety Talks ILEAP Tier II Accreditation Internet Safety Seminars K-9 Unit Motorcycles Narcan National Night Out Orland Park Substance Awareness Forum Public Education Retail Detail Senior Groups Safety Talks Senior Luncheon Special Olympics Events

Station Tours Storm Ready Teen Citizens’ Police Academy Traffic Safety Vacation Watch

13

WINTER 2016 |