South Cook News

City of Palos Heights Public Safety Committee met May 28

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

The Public Safety Committee meeting was held on May 28, 2024 at the Palos Heights City Hall. Chairman Basso called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. In attendance were Chairman Basso and Alderman McGovern. Also in attendance were Chief Czajkowski, Deputy Chief Crowley, Sergeant John Parnitzke, Detective Bill Moritz, Homeland Security Special Agent Joel Evans, 22 members of the public and Recording Secretary Morgan Pukula.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Chairman Basso moved to approve the minutes of the February 27, 2024 Public Safety meeting, seconded by Alderman McGovern. All in favor. Motion carried.

Chief Czajkowski presented Detective Sergeant John Parnitzke and Detective William Moritz with department commendations for their meticulous and tireless mail theft investigation which effected so many individuals not only in our community, but the entire Southwest suburbs. The department began to receive complaints in December of 2023 regarding identity theft, credit card fraud, loan fraud and overall theft of mail. Quickly the complaints reached unprecedented levels and caused great concern for the investigations division. Detective Parnitzke and Detective Moritz were instrumental in coordinating a complex multi-jurisdictional investigation that led to the arrest of three individuals, the recovery of thousands of pieces of mail and the recovery of evidence and personal property.

This commendation shall serve as acknowledgement to your professionalism and dedication to duty.

Chief Czajkowski recognized former Palos Heights Investigator Joel Evans for his 10 years of service to the City of Palos Heights. During Joel’s career, he served as a Patrol Officer, Officer in Charge, Detective and a Task Force Officer for the United States Homeland Security Investigations.

In addition to the many positions Joel held with the department, he also received numerous Letters of Recognition, Commendations and letters of appreciation from individuals he helped within the community. Joel was an exceptional police officer and investigator that served our community with pride and utmost professionalism. In March 2023, Joel accepted a position with Homeland Security Investigations and presently is assigned to the Chicago Field Division as a Special Agent that investigates International Narcotics Trafficking Violations. Unfortunately, the department lost Joel, but we look forward to the partnerships we will hold between Homeland Security Investigations and continue the relationships we have with Joel and Homeland Security Investigations.

The department was commended for their work on the AT&T armed robbery in April. Chief thanked all the officers, as well as Orland Park Police Department who assisted in the peaceful surrender of the robbery suspect. 

Alderman McGovern thanked the department for the assistance in a police escort for a friend who was a retired Chicago Police Officer. The family was extremely grateful for the procession and the professionalism we offered to the widow.

POLICE ACTIVITY REPORT

There were 729 total calls for service.

TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT

Hit & Run 3

Property Damage 22

Personal Injury 7

TOTAL 32

MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS

a) Within the packet can be found, the Police Department Budget Report

b) Red Light Report – 127 violations issued

c) DACRA Report— 62 citations issued

d) Training Report – 621 hours

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM

a) Cases YTD – 45

Alderman McGovern asked how many CIT officers the department has. Chief stated, we have a total of 5 officers that are certified. Any of our officers can use the CIT tablet though, to connect with a Trinity Services social worker at all times.

TRAFFIC SUMMARY

a) DUI Arrests YTD – 8

b) Traffic Stops YTD – 941

c) Arrests YTD – 98

2024 FLOCK LPR CAMERA ACTIVITY

a) Hits YTD – 16

b) Our FLOCK activity includes citations, arrests, stolen vehicles and identification of vehicles used in other crimes.

c) Once fully operational, we will have a total of 9 LPR cameras.

d) On Sunday, our FLOCK cameras were actually used to catch a vehicle that was involved in a retail theft and robbery. Overall, they have been extremely useful for investigations.

OLD BUSINESS

a) Due to a chip shortage, we are experiencing a delay on the installation of the FLOCK Condor camera in the municipal parking lot. We received an update today, and June 5th, the cameras should be fully operational.

b) The final license plate reader facing eastbound on College Drive is to be installed this month. IDOT has released permits for this project, so we can expand our full capabilities outside of private property.

NEW BUSINESS

a) We have an intern from Aurora University who is working with our CIT division. She is working on her master’s degree.

b) The Major Case Unit had two homicide callouts this month: Markham and Bridgeview. The Bridgeview case was solved, but individuals involved in the Markham case did not wish to cooperate with police.

c) Our task force officers have had numerous narcotics, currency and firearms seizures this month, including a coach bus. We are also assisting the FBI on a Title III wiretap investigation.

d) $234,000 in asset forfeiture funds were received from the Department of Treasury.

e) Deputy Chief Yott completed a 7 week course at MIT Management Sloan School in Neuroscience for Business.

f) Axon Body Camera configuration and training has been completed, but we are still working on language cleanup within the policy.

g) Chief Czajkowski recommended a review of the motorized scooter ordinance 72.075. It was last revised in 2004, and does not account for the bikes and scooters today.

We have received complaints against the scooters and bikes, but the overwhelming response has been residents in favor of the motorized bikes/scooters. Discussion included keeping the ordinance, so if there is reckless behavior, it can be monitored.

CORRESPONDENCE/EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

A resident dropped off baked good to show their appreciation for watching their house while they were on vacation.

Alderwoman Begley wrote an email commending the department for their great work on the AT&T robbery.

Officer Paluch, Officer Wiegand and Officer Pomper were commended for their apprehension of several burglaries to motor vehicle suspects who were driving a stolen Jeep, and in possession of a fully automatic Glock firearm with a loaded extended magazine.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE

None.

ALDERMEN’S COMMENTS

None.

ADJOURN

There being no further business, Chairman Basso made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Alderman McGovern. All in favor. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 6:53 pm.

https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042024-1014