URBANA, Illinois – The University of Illinois Police Department is encouraging members of the general public to call in and leave comments while law enforcement assessors examine the department’s policies, procedures, operations, and management. The assessors will be Jeff Hamer, Chief of Police at the Macomb Police Department, and Steve Roberts, retired Deputy Chief at the Lansing Police Department.
The evaluation is a routine part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) accreditation process. The evaluators last reviewed the University of Illinois Police Department in 2020 and gave the department ILEAP’s highest (Tier 2) accreditation level based on its ability to meet each of the 181 evaluation criteria.
Accreditation demonstrates that our agency has achieved a high level of professionalism among our law enforcement peers. It validates the methods of service our members provide to the community they serve. In addition to improving our relationship with the citizens and organizations of the University of Illinois community, accreditation enhances accountability and reduces risk exposure.
Members of the public are invited to call 217-300-5134 on November 4, 2024, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. to offer comments to the on-site assessor. Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes and must address the department’s ability to comply with ILEAP accreditation standards. Those standards are available for public review at ilchiefs.org.
People who are unable to comment by telephone at the designated time can submit a comment by sending an email to Chief Jeff Hamer of the Macomb Police Department at ileapstaff@gmail.com
“The University of Illinois Police Department strives to be a leader in policing and public service,” said Chief Matt Ballinger. “Feedback gives us an idea of what our community members care about the most and helps us ensure we are properly addressing their needs and concerns.”
The call-in comments are a formal part of the ILEAP accreditation process, but general comments are always welcome throughout the year by calling 217-333-1216, emailing police@illinois.edu, or visiting www.police.illinois.edu.