2014 RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Annual report
Thomas Weitzel
Chief of Police

A job that is getting more perilous: Officers from all over the country traveled to New York to pay tribute

at the funeral services of two New York officers slain when ambushed in December

From the desk of . . .

Chief Thomas Q. Weitzel
March, 2015
Village Manager Jessica Frances,
President Ben Sells and Board of Trustees,
and Riverside Residents:
A police department is not only made up of those familiar icons of a police station, squad cars,
uniform and badges it is made up of people who have devoted their professional lives to public safety.
It is my honor to applaud the fine officers and civilians of Riverside Police Department for their
commitment to excellence and continued support for the Department and community. As police officers, we
understand the need to be involved in issues that concern the community, its businesses and various
neighborhood concerns. Our job has not changed, it's still to protect and serve our residents.
Beginning in 2009, most police agencies in America faced budget cuts as a result of declining
economic conditions throughout the world - Riverside Police Department was not immune to those issues.
Despite economic challenges, we continue to stand by the mission statement of the Riverside Police
Department by providing effective, high quality police services in partnership with the community we serve.
Riverside is an ever-changing diverse community. We are committed to improving all aspects of
public safety, reducing the fear of and incidents of crime, extending and improving our community programs,
and maintaining the highest degree of respect for individual rights and human dignity. We are committed to
honoring the sacred public trust by ensuring that the Riverside Police Department adheres to the highest
professional law enforcement standards. We will continuously strive towards attaining excellence, removing
barriers to communication, and providing our employees with effective leadership, supervision and training
in a quality work environment in order to better serve you, our residents.
I am pleased with the accomplishments summarized within this publication and trust that you will find
this report to be informative and a fair representation of the dedication and commitment to service that the
sworn and civilian members of the Riverside Police Department exhibit on a daily basis.
Respectfully,

Thomas Q. Weitzel
Chief of Police

THE Riverside Police Department

MISSION STATEMENT
To work in partnership with the community
in order to provide prompt, unbiased, professional police service
that enhances the quality of life, while maintaining
respect for individual rights and human dignity,
building confidence and respect between
Riverside citizens and their Police department.
VISION
We envision a future where law abiding citizens feel safe
and take pride and comfort in the quality of life in our community;
a future where criminal activity is vigorously and intelligently pursued.
We envision our department maintaining superior service;
continuing to incorporate innovative strategies, contemporary technologies,
proven community policing philosophies and positive leadership.

COMMITMENT
We believe our employees are the most valuable assets of our organization;
and that through regular training, education, career development,
exemplary leadership and organizational support,
that they will reach the highest point in standards
of performance and professional satisfaction
while serving the needs of the community.

Color Key
19 Full time sworn police officers

Chief of
Police

5 Full time civilian employees

Executive Secretary

4 on call Auxiliaries
Deputy Chief
of
Police

12 Part Time employees

Traffic Administrator

Community
Service
Officer

Operations
Lieutenant

Auxiliary
Police
Corps

Sergeant
Day Shift

Sergeant
Afternoon
Shift

Sergeant
Night Shift

Detective
Sergeant
Investigations

Crossing
Guards
Telecommunicator
LEADS Coordinator

Officer In
Charge

Officer In
Charge

Officer In
Charge

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Patrol
Officer

Telecommunicator
Day Shift

Telecommunicator
Afternoon Shift

Telecommunicator
Night Shift

Part Time
Telecommunicators

Child Safety Seat

Installation

Officer Simpson tickets kids

with a coupon for a free
Slurpee for practicing bike
safety by wearing their
helmets.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for kids. In

Illinois, 80% of child safety seats are not installed
correctly. Thats why Riverside Police urge all
parents/caregivers to make sure children are always in a
properly installed child safety seat that is appropriate for
the childs age and size. Illinois law states that children up
to age eight must be in a child safety seat or booster
seat.

Are Your Kids Safe?

Riverside Officer Eric Katzin is a certified
child safety seat technician and if you bring
your safety seats to the police department,
he can check your child safety seats and help
you with proper installation and use. Be sure
to call first to make sure Officer Katzin is in!

Riverside Police Department takes a proactive stance

in educating the public on traffic safety related
issues. At the beginning of the school year, the
traffic unit hung SCHOOLS OPEN DRIVE
SAFELY signs at all intersections throughout the
village. Similar mailers were placed in utility bills and
sent out to residents.

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS

In 2014, Nicole Deubel (L) resigned after many years of
dedicated service; we wish Nicole well she
did a great job for us!
Congratulations (and many thanks) to Fred
Malon (R) with 10 years of service!
Being a school crossing guard is rewarding,
part-time / seasonal work that makes a
positive contribution toward the safety of our children.
Carlo Ferrara, resident Henry Calamia and Aaron
Ruffolo (L-R) joined Riverside as Crossing Guards and
were sure theyll do a terrific job for our Village!
Welcome gentlemen!

Riverside Police Department employs nine Communication Officers (four full/five

part-time). In addition to 911 emergency calls, Communications officers answered
nearly 13,000 other phone calls consisting of emergencies (called in on lines other
than 911), administrative and informational calls.

Calls for Service Jan-Dec = 14,598

1500

11191172

1260110713231227

1347

126111981340

11481096

1000
500
0

Communication Officers are career professionals specifically educated in their field.

More importantly, by state statute, these officers must be certified by the State of
Illinois to do the job. This Illinois State certification (LEADS-Law Enforcement Agency
Data System) requires many hours of classroom and online training that is followed
by an exam administered by the State of Illinois.
After LEADS certification, Communication Officers go through a process of on-thejob training during many weeks that include working on all three shifts, so that the
trainee will get the entire perspective of various calls at all hours of the day and
evening. Its not easy; many have wanted a career as a Communication Officer,
but could not pass the testing or intense training program.
Communication Officers work the same hours as patrol officers, having rotating
days on and days off, and must give up some holidays and family time
which shows their level of commitment to their careers and our citizenry.
RPD welcomed part time dispatchers Dan Cermak & Rosie Zink!
A Service Milestone: Michael Quan (R) has been w/RPD for 25
years! Mike, we truly appreciate you and are grateful for your
dedication. Many thanks for helping us out for so many years!

PROJECTS - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children certification

Completion expected in 2015
Communication Center equipment location upgrade
Major project; construction expected to begin late 2015

COYOTE SIGHTINGS

The police department received 66 coyote sightings in 2014; the breakdown is

included in the chart below.
The majority of sightings were in Zone 401 - Longcommon to the south, Byrd
to the east, 26th Street to the north, Des Plaines/Akenside to the west.

Coyote sightings
decreased
82.7% from 2013

TIME
Reported

ZONE

101

201

301

401

501

Sightings In 2014

15

11

12

24

Sightings in 2013

28

65

265

16

Percentage 2014 22.7 16.7 18.3 36.4 6.0

2013

2.3

Sighting TOTAL 2014

66

2013

383

%
2014

2013

2014

2013

6am-6pm

58

315

87.9

82.2

6pm-6am

68

12.1

17.7

7.3

17.0 69.2 4.2

For statistical purposes, daytime hours

were logged between 6:00 a.m.6:00 p.m. and evening hours between
6:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.

Communications Officer Lynda Gutierrez

(above) helps kids with games designed to
educate about calling 9-1-1 (Farmers Mkt.)

A Police Ride to School is auctioned

off at school fundraisers - theyre
always a big hit with the kids! The 2014
winners are pictured top left w/Officer
Lazansky & (L) w/Officer Panek
Officers Pruim & Navarro give St. Mary Tiger Scouts a station tour and close-up look at a squad.

Elder
Service
Unit
The Elder Service Unit (ESU) handled 10 follow ups and referrals in
2014 involving our community seniors. Follow ups ensure that the seniors police
reports were properly handled.
The ESU also made five referrals to Aging Care Connections in LaGrange for
additional follow ups to assist with situations beyond the police departments control
or areas of expertise.
The Elder Service Unit participates in the monthly meetings for Aging Well, the
Riverside Senior Society and attends senior related events in the area.
In June 2014 the Department, along with Aging Well and with the assistance of the
Riverside Garden Club, sponsored the annual Garden in a Pot event held at the
Scottish Home in North Riverside. Participants were treated to demonstrations on
how to arrange and plant various types of greenery to create a unique garden. The
gardens that were produced were then raffled to audience members.
The Riverside Police Department Elder Service Unit looks forward to continuing our
partnerships with the community and the other agencies that we work with to provide
activities and services to seniors in the Riverside area.
The Riverside Police Elder Service Unit consists of the following Riverside police officers:

Deputy Chief David Krull

Officer In Charge Brian Greenenwald

Officer James Lazansky

Seniors should feel free to contact any of these officers with their concerns at any time.

Riverside Police Explorer Post 390

In 2014, the Riverside Police Explorer Post #390 continued their commitment to learning
about law enforcement, helping the community and training to become leaders. Four
Explorers attended the National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference in Bloomington,
Indiana on the campus of Indiana University in August.

Riverside Explorer Post (L to R): Tim Geroulis, Kyle Longino, Khristian Walker, Brandon DAltorio
and Ofc. Brian Greenenwald

Explorers had the opportunity to attend seminars and competitions hosted by members
of the United States Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police,
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and many more.
Although the Post did not win a trophy this year, the experience was a great one!

Explorers put up signs to remind drivers of schools being back in session

to encourage safer driving

This Unit responds to routine and in-progress calls for police service
and provides in-depth follow-up work on major cases.
Riversides Detective, Frank Lara (L), is in the following task forces: MCAT-Major
Case Assistance Team, WESTAF -West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force) and
WSDA-West Suburban Detectives Association.
Participation in task forces enables
Riverside Police to exchange
information with others and request
officers if needed. Participation in
task forces provides for constant
flow of resources, criminal
intelligence, equipment, expertise
and ability to quickly bring many
trained detectives and evidence
technicians to help with major crime
scenes.

Using
high-tech equipment,
florescent powders, chemical
enhancers, nanometer lighting
and high-tech photography
skills, Forensics stays current
to continue to provide high
quality service to our residents.
2014 NOTABLE cases:
Residential Burglary to Apartments,

PART I OFFENSES

2013

2014

CHANGE

Homicide

Criminal Sexual Assault

-2

Robbery

+1

+100

Aggravated Assault/Battery

15

52

+37

+226

Burglary

33

19

-17

-51.5

Theft (including from vehicles)

118

90

-28

-23.7

Motor Vehicle Theft

-4

Arson

174

157

-17

-9.8

TOTAL Part I Offenses

PATROL ACTIVITIES

2013

2014

Calls Taken 14,761 14,620

CHANGE

-141

-.9

Accident Reports Taken

279

327

+48

+17.2

Felony Arrests

49

60

+11

+22.4

Misdemeanor Arrests

417

408

-9

-2.1

D.U.I. Arrests

118

135

+17

+14.4

Compliance Tickets

629

506

-123

-19.5

Burglary to St. Marys grade school,

Traffic Tickets

2,569

2,722

+153

+5.9

Aggravated Battery to Police Officer,

Parking Tickets

2,331

1,827

-504

-21.6

Aggravated Battery to Unborn Child,

Juvenile Arrests

52

64

+12

+23

Prisoners held In lock-up

466

468

+2

+.4

Felony DUIs

12

17

+5

+41.7

Armed Robbery/Jewelry,
Home Repair Fraud,
Aggravated Domestic Battery

SERIOUS CRIME CATEGORY:

2 Aggravated Battery
8 Battery
1 Domestic Battery
2 Retail Theft
1 Assault
In 2014, Riverside Police Department Juvenile Division
had contact with 78 youths resulting in 65 juvenile
cases.
On occasion youth officers will try to handle youth
offenders on a street or station adjustment. A Street
Adjustment is usually contact with a youth for a status
offense (status offenses are those violations that would
not otherwise be a crime if committed by an adult).

2 Theft
2 Burglary
1 Criminal Damage to Property
11 Disorderly Conduct
1 Possession of Controlled Substance

A Station Adjustment occurs when there is contact

with a youth offender who may have had previous
contact with the youth division for a similar or more
serious offense.
The goal of a Station Adjustment is to conduct
successful parental conferences and interviews. This
plays a vital role in trying to correct the problems that
have arisen with a hope to change the behavior
pattern and attitude of the youth. We attempt to show
the youth their errors in judgment so that they do not
make a similar mistake in the future.

7 Possession of Cannabis
7 Resisting a Police Officer
1 Trespass to Property
3 Distribution of Harmful material
2 Mob Action

Many times juvenile officers impress upon the youth to

use common sense when making difficult adolescent
decisions.

10 Possession Of Alcohol

On occasion, we recommend family counseling for

families having problems or offer other positive means
to occupy their time.

1 Cannabis Manufacturer/ Delivery

Our goal is not to let the youth get into the juvenile
justice system and become a repeat offender.

1 Reckless Conduct

1 Felony Disorderly Conduct

1 Traffic Offense

Breakdown of Violations

Petitions

Station Adj

Cited

Riverside Police Department continues to aggressively deal with unacceptable

and risky behavior that can lead to lifelong problems.
40

38

35
30

2012

25

23

2013
20

20

2014

15
11

10

11

9
7

6
4

5
2

Curfew

Runaway

Truancy

Tobacco

Alcohol

Status offenses are violations that would not otherwise be a crime if committed by
an adult.
In 2014 there were fewer contacts
with juveniles, but those contacts
that officers had with juveniles were
more serious and in a wider range of
offenses . . .

Deputy Chief William

Legg retired in 2014

2
0
1
4
RPD changed their
uniform patch in 2014

Sgt. Leo Kotor (L) and &

Officer Brian Greenenwald
earned the MADD (Mothers
Against Drunk Driving)
Achievement Award
Officer Isaac Hamilton
earned the Cook
County Sheriffs
Award of Merit
in 2014

uniform patch in 2014

Our gratitude to Bill

for 30 years of dedicated
police service.

Chief Weitzel had 30 years

w/RPD in 2014

PROMOTIONS (L-R) Jeffrey Miller was promoted to Sergeant, Chief Weitzel, William
Gutschick was promoted to Lieutenant and David Krull to Deputy Chief

Tammy Pruim began her career with

RPD in 2014 as a patrol officer

Officer Joseph Mahanna

was officially sworn in

Deputy Chief Dave Krull receives

An Executive Leadership Award
from Northwestern

2014
135 DUI ARRESTS

16

16

16

15
14

14

14
12

12

12

11
99

11
9

11

11

7
66

9
8

88

13 13
12

12 12

12
11

11

10

12

7
6

2012
2013

2014
4
2
0

Intensified Traffic Enforcement

Since 2011, ITE has resulted in 807 citations and 21 different Riverside streets being targeted.

TOTALS

1
3

1
2

1
8

5
2
1

1
1

12

3
1

16

1
26

4
2
1
4

94

2
1
1
427

1
8

50

14

16

15

44

31

12

17

11

31

94

TOTALS

No Village License

Disobeying traffic device

Driving on Walkway

Parking Violations

Lane Usage and

Yielding

Failure to yield for

emergency vehicle

Failure to yield to
Pedestrian

Obstructed Windshield

Drug/Alcohol

DUI

1
3
15

20

3
2

12

Driving suspended
revoked-no D/L Arrest

1
3

Red Light

Stop Sign

Squeal Tires

One or No Lights

Too Many Passengers

Seat Belt
4

2
5
4

10
2
4
1
213

No Insurance

33
9
122

2
6
1

Expired D/L

No D/L on Person

31

Expired Registration

Akenside
Barrypoint
Blythe
Desplaines
E.Burlington
First Ave
Forest
Golf
Harlem
Kimbark
Longcommon
Ogden
Ridgewood
Woodside
Crosswalks
E.Quincy
Riverside Rd
Parking Lots
St. Marys
Fairbank
Addison

Speed School Zone

since 11/2011
inception

Speed

Intensified
Traffic
Enforcement

Cell phone School Zone

If a traffic problem is detected, that location may be added to the ITE schedule so officers can target it during a designated detail.
In 2014, ITE detail was operational on seven occasions and during those details 171 citations were issued.

2
75
1
39
16
164
7
0
56
7
10
1
11
308
4
2
1
98
2
2
1
807

In late 2014, a data spreadsheet was created to track citizen traffic complaints. The ITE Supervisor sees where problem areas are and coordinates efforts to address
them. Once data is evaluated the issue is referred to regular patrol for enforcement or referred to the ITE detail. There is then an educational phase during which
Twitter, village website, cable network and other media sources are used to promote the upcoming ITE detail. An ITE detail is then conducted with multiple officers
targeting problem areas all at once. After the detail, data is re-gathered and re-evaluated to assess whether additional enforcement is needed in any areas.

NORTHERN
ILLINOIS
POLICE
ALARM
SYSTEM

The Northern Illinois Police

Alarm System was established by
an intergovernmental service
agreement and its purpose as
stated reads:
This agreement is made in
recognition of the fact that natural
occurrences or man-made
occurrences may result in situations
which are beyond the ability of the
individual community to deal with
effectively in terms of manpower and
equipment resources on hand at a
given time. Each community has and
does express its intent to assist its
neighbor communities by assigning
some of its manpower and equipment
resources to an affected community as
resources and situation allow. The
specific intent of this agreement is to
permit the police departments of each
community to more fully safeguard
the lives and property of all citizens.

In 2014, the NIPAS Emergency

Service Team was activated 20
times for the following callouts:
10 Warrant service
5 Barricaded subject
2 Mobile Field Force assists
1 Weapons of Mass Destruction
(subject w/bomb in chlorine factory)

1 Presidential Security detail

(Vice President Biden)

Riverside Police Department participates in a mutual

aid emergency service team known as the Northern
Illinois Police Alarm System or NIPAS.
NIPAS represents a joint venture
of a number of suburban municipal
police departments in the Chicago
metropolitan area. Fifteen police
agencies created NIPAS in 1983 to
ensure effective police mutual aid
in times of natural disasters. From
these humble beginnings, the
system has grown to include law
enforcement agencies of 96 cities,
villages, and towns in five counties.
One of our Riverside officers, Sergeant Leo Kotor
(pictured above), volunteered to serve in addition to his
regular duty assignments and is trained for service in
potentially violent situations, disasters, dignitary
protection or other tactically demanding times.
NIPAS provides a high level of professional response
and resources for the protection and safety of Riverside
residents.
In 1987 NIPAS created the Emergency Services Team
(EST), a full service tactical team designed to handle
high-risk incidents.
The EST is administered by a Team Commander and
broken into the following units:
Containment Team

EMS Team

Entry team

K-9 Team

Marksman Team

Negotiations Team

Support Services Team

Tactical Command team

&
The Riverside Police Department Property Room took in over 300 pieces of
property and evidence in 2014 that included:
Over $750 in drug seizure funds
Over 200 grams of cannabis
Multiple guns
and other weapons
Various Drug
Paraphernalia

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Riverside Police Department updated the
cameras that are kept in the squad cars. The
Police Department purchased Canon G15
cameras with 12.1 megapixel lenses to replace
the aging Minolta cameras that were currently
in use. The Cannon cameras allow Riverside
officers to photograph evidence at the scene
in all lighting and weather conditions, making
cases even stronger when they go to court.

Tobacco Compliance Checks

Grant Funded
Riverside Police Department participated once again in the Illinois Liquor
Control Commission KIDS CANT BUY EM HERE tobacco grant in 2014.
Compliance checks were completed three times throughout the year
at vendors of tobacco products by a Riverside officer and a local minor.
Riverside Police Department is proud to report that local retailers were (once
again) 100% compliant with state and local laws regarding sales to minors!
NON-

Compliance

YEAR

CHECKS

COMPLIANT

COMPLIANT

2004

5-4-4

3-4-3

2-0-1

67

2005

5-5-5

4-5-4

1-0-1

87

2006

5-5-5

5-5-4

0-0-1

94

2007

5-5-5

4-4-5

1-1-0

87

2008

5-5-5

3-2-5

2-3-0

68

2009

4-4-4

3-4-4

1-0-0

92

2010

4-4-4

4-4-4

0-0-0

100

2011

3-3-4

3-3-4

0-0-0

100

2012

4-4-4

4-4-4

0-0-0

100

2013

4-4-4

4-4-4

0-0-0

100

2014

3 -3 -3

3 -3 -3

0 -0 -0

100

Compliance checks work!

For the fifth year in a row,
weve experienced 100% compliance!

Illinois Department Of Transportation Division of Traffic Safety

Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP)

Traffic Safety Grant

Roadway safety is a high priority for Riverside Police Department. Fatalities due to
motor vehicle crashes in Illinois were under 1,000 for 2014. Motor vehicle crashes
continue to kill tens of thousands of Americans and injure millions more each year.
Fortunately, we had zero fatal accidents reported in Riverside in 2014.
Riverside Police Department, working in conjunction with the Illinois Department of
Transportation, once again received a State funded traffic grant known as the STEP
grant for 2014. This grant allows officers to focus on impaired drivers and occupant
protection. In addition to impaired drivers and occupant protection, officers also
focused on distracted drivers (cell phones), speeders, and other moving violations.
The 2014 grant kicked off on November 18, 2013 and ended September 1, 2014; it
consisted of six different campaigns as follows:

Thanksgiving
Christmas / New Years Eve
St. Patricks Day

Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day

(Most campaigns ran for about two

weeks leading up to the holiday with
the exception of the St. Patricks
Day campaign, which was
considerably shorter.)

Campaigns run concurrently with nationwide traffic safety campaigns like Click It or
Ticket, You Drink, You Drive, You Lose and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Riverside Police Department was awarded $21,185 from IDOT to fund the grant
campaigns. Officers worked many hours during these campaigns and issued several
tickets throughout enforcement periods.
Public education is another key factor that goes along with the STEP grant. Before
each campaign a press release is sent out notifying the public of the upcoming
campaign and that officers will be out in full force looking for traffic violators.
Notices are put on the Village website and Twitter advising the public of the same.
The STEP grant allows an opportunity for Riverside officers to
make our roadways safer, specifically during holidays when
traffic volume increases.
The 2014 grant was a success and Riverside Police Department will continue to
apply for future STEP Grant opportunities as we are committed not only to
removing impaired motorists from the roadway, but also to the general overall
safety of motorists.

RIVERSIDE POLICE TRAINED NEARLY 3,000 HOURS IN 2014!

Our Police Command Staff knows that if
officers are given varied training
opportunities, it maintains the professionalism
of the Department; that benefits residents and
all who have contact with our officers.

Training in 2014 included:

New laws/ procedures & refresher on arrests, search/seizure &
traffic stops
Supervision of Police-Northwestern Univ. Center for Public Safety
Firearms training, (simulated and live fire)
Interview & Interrogation
Communications/9-1-1 Center refresher
Critical Incident Dispatching
Concealed Carry Act & Medical Marijuana
School Violence-Police Response
School Safety & Response to Active Shooters
Evidence Technician Training WESTAF
Police Staff &Command-Northwestern U. Center for Public Safety
NIPAS Training
Coyote Training
Asset Forfeitures
Police Academy training-Illinois State Police
Breath Alcohol Testing
Executive Management-Northwestern U. Center for Public Safety
Rapid Response
Police Cyclist
Child Safety Belt Certification
DUIs and Field Sobriety Testing
Spillman Users Conference
Field Training for Officers
Gracie Defensive Tactics Instructor (recertification)
Narcotics Investigations
Homicide
Managing the Small Law Enforcement Agency
Blood borne Pathogens
Hazardous Materials

2
0
1
4
T
R
A
I
N
I
N
G

Use of Force Training

Firearms Training is a crucial part of law enforcement due to officers facing a rising number
of critical situations forcing them to defend their lives and those of others.
All officers are required to complete annual use of force certification training in:

Firearms (Pistol/Rifle, day/ night)

Taser Certification
OC (pepper spray)
Defensive Tactics
Force on Force (Simunitions)
Less than Lethal
Meggitt Judgmental, use of force skills

Preliminary data from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for 2014
showed 126 federal, state, and local law officers killed in the line of duty with ambushes
the leading cause of officer fatalities in firearms-related deaths. Of the 50 firearms
fatalities, 15 officers were shot and killed in an ambush - more than any other circumstance
of fatal shootings in 2014. With these types of violent interactions, Riverside officers must
strive to maintain a high level of firearms training for violent encounters.
Firearms Instructors help develop skills necessary for officers to make rapid, sound
decisions when facing a situation involving weapon use. The purpose of the Firearms
program is to provide instruction and training officers can apply when called upon to make
critical decisions and how to react in stressful situations where the use of a firearm may be
required. The secondary purpose is to develop skills in safely handling multiple weapons
under varying degrees of psychological pressure.
Officers are required to complete an Illinois State mandated course using their primary
duty weapon and challenging courses developed by Firearms instructors. When the state
mandated handgun course of fire is completed, each
officer then completes a tactical course of fire, based
upon situations that may arise day or night.
Officers complete outdoor firearms qualification and
training at the Lemont Police Department outdoor
shooting range. It is conducted rain or shine to
prepare officers for a changing environment.
To increase safety, Riverside Police created a
series of scenario-based training exercises to better prepare officers for challenges that
may be presented while on patrol. Officers take part in Force on Force scenarios where they
are placed in lethal encounters using Simunitions rounds. Scenario based training has
officers draw on their (use of force) decision-making skills. The expected outcome of
scenario-based training is to increase the chances of a successful resolution when officers
are faced with a violent encounter.

PSMc