Suburban Illinois police ready to assist during Democratic National Convention if needed, police department says

By Richard Requena
Chicago Tribune

CHICAGO — Police departments across the northern suburbs are preparing and making themselves available to assist the Chicago Police Department, if needed, during the Democratic National Conference, which runs Aug. 19-22.

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An estimated 50,000 delegates, staff and public officials are expected to attend the convention at the United Center and McCormick Place.

Many suburban police departments participate in the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System, or NIPAS, a mutual-aid police system that operates in northeastern Illinois. Illinois police departments may also participate in the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System, or ILEAS, a supplemental mutual-aid system.

Mutual aid systems allow a police department to call on other agencies when needed. In the case of NIPAS, for example, this typically occurs following natural disasters or “the unexpected results of a special event.” ILEAS was created after 9/11 and claims to address the needs of local law enforcement “for mutual aid, emergency response, and the combination of resources for public safety and terrorism prevention and response.”

The following police departments have briefed the Pioneer Press on what they are doing to prepare for the Democratic National Convention. All of these cities either share a border with Chicago or are located within a mile of the border.

Crest Park

Park Ridge Police Department Executive Director Tom Gadomski said officers assigned to NIPAS will assist the Chicago Police Department in special missions.

“Additionally, we are in communication with neighboring police departments in case there is a need for assistance in Park Ridge or neighboring communities,” Gadomski said.

Harwood Heights

Harwood Heights Police Chief John DeVries said the department will add a few more officers to the teams during the DNC to provide additional support and patrols. He added that the department has an officer on the NIPAS team who can assist the Chicago Police Department.

“Our officers will be extra vigilant during this time, we will be advising our residents that if they see anything suspicious, please call 911,” DeVries said.

Norridge

Norridge Police Chief Brian Goss said the department is “aware of the DNC and what it could mean for the village in terms of safety, security and potential loss of resources.”

“This collaboration includes sharing information, resources and strategies to address any potential issues that may arise during the convention,” he said.

“While we have not yet finalized all specific plans, our proactive approach ensures we are prepared to assist Chicago and other neighboring communities as needed,” Goss said. “Our priority remains maintaining the high level of safety and service that the Village of Norridge is known for.”

Morton Grove

Morton Grove Police Chief Mike Simo said the police department has officers assigned to the NIPAS mobile field team. “If Morton Grove had events that required crowd control, we would call them and/or request mutual police assistance through ILEAS if necessary.” The department is also part of NIPAS, he said.

“To date, we are not aware of any projects planned in Morton Grove at that time that could pose a potential problem for us,” Simo said.

Nile

Niles Deputy Police Chief Nick Zakula said the Niles Police Department is aware of the DNC dates and will be prepared to respond if mutual aid is requested.

“(The Chicago Police Department) has not made any direct requests to the NPD at this time,” he said.

Skokie

Skokie Police Sergeant Brandi Shelton said the Skokie Police Department is prepared to provide assistance to any agency that requests it through the department’s participation in the NIPAS and ILEAS mutual aid systems.

“We will remain in regular communication with our local law enforcement partners,” she said.

Lincoln Woods

Lincolnwood Police Chief Jay Parrott said, “We are always here to assist any agency in any way we can with the resources available.”

“To date, no formal request for resources has been made by Lincolnwood.”

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