The Highland Park Police department announced a new program recently that will allow locals to become more familiar with what the police do day-to-day.
Highland Park Police Chief Lou Jogmen said in a release that recent instances of use of force by police have prompted people nationwide to want to know more about how they are being policed locally.
In efforts to be accountable and transparent, the department has posted its “General Orders,” which list out guidance for more than 160 different procedures and policies. The document itself is almost 800 pages, listing guidance on items ranging from weapons to uniforms and grooming.
In requests for comment on complaints and use of force by the department, officials have pointed to the orders, which outline procedures for how those instances are handled. For more information on the general orders, please visit the city’s website.
The department also announced they will be hosting two new community events. The first is a new program titled, “Community Education and Police Engagement.” It will be hosted in-person when it is safe to do so, the release states, and allows adults to see what police do day-to-day. This is done through presentations and live simulations of emergency calls. There will also be a tour of the department, the release states.
As part of the announcement, the department will also be working with city officials to meet virtually with residents and discuss some highlights from the initiatives that are taking place, and address questions, the release states.
To that end, the department in recent months has also announced the implementation of various policies, such as the “Six Pillars of 21st Century Policing,” which focus on building relations with younger residents. They include training and education, policy and oversight, building trust and legitimacy, and crime reduction.
“The City of Highland Park strives to foster a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community,” Mayor Nancy Rotering stated in the release. “This important action serves to reinforce the City’s commitment to transparency and works to further strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and the public.”
In June, Jogmen gave a presentation to the city council where he detailed the priorities of the department and broke down its structure. He also gave details on various policies the department follows to better its relationship with minority communities.
Some policies include in-car video cameras. The department also uses non-lethal tasers, which also have cameras. Body cameras are also in its upcoming budget this year for a total of up to $575,000, Jogmen said.
“We assure you we want everyone in this community to feel safe, feel that they’re getting a fair shake, that they’re getting fair treatment, that they’re being protected.” Jogmen said in the June 8 meeting. “All of that is what we want. So if that is not happening, or there’s a perception that’s not happening, we want to fix that.”
Highland Park Police Department employs 56 officers, and also comprises civilians and social workers, Jogmen said.
Officials, including City Manager Ghida Neukirch, spoke highly about Jogmen’s work in the community, describing him as someone who is passionate and dedicated about developing the relationship between the department and the community.
“The police department staff is dedicated to serving the residents of Highland Park with a deep commitment to the principles of justice, fairness and equality,” Neukirch said. “It is a privilege to work alongside professionals who work so hard to foster meaningful dialogue and build community trust.”