The Lincolnshire Police Department is seeking community volunteers to participate in an inaugural advisory council that will provide input to the department on “a wide range of law enforcement topics and activities,” according to officials.
The “Chief’s Community Council for Police Operations,” informally designated C3PO, is expected to be a small group of village residents and business people who can meet with police Chief Joseph Leonas several times a year to advise on a variety of topics, according to a village news release calling for volunteers to be on the council.
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“We’re hopeful to get a good cross section of business leaders, people working in town, as well as residents,” Leonas said in a phone interview with Pioneer Press.
Applications for the council are available on the village website.
Leonas said he hopes to have between six and 12 people on the council.
“It needs to be small enough that we can have some real conversations,” the police chief said. “So, we’re looking to have a small group.”
Leonas said the group is expected to meet quarterly or “as necessary.” Initial meetings might be more frequent to set ground rules and procedures. Initial terms will likely be one year, but individuals may be able to stay on for longer terms.
In the news release, Leonas described the council as “a progressive initiative … to help us address any issues which might negatively affect our profession and the Village of Lincolnshire.”
Membership on C3PO requires “patience, kindness, and a willingness to engage in positive communication,” combined with what was called in the release open-mindedness and good listen skills.
Leonas said he hopes those interested will have applications in by the end of summer, in time to have the program running this fall. Applications will be reviewed first by Leonas and will then go the Village Board for final selection, officials explained.
Leonas said he didn’t have any particular attributes in mind for successful applicants. “We’re looking for somebody who has a passion for the community, who has an idea about what they think their police department should look like,” he said.
Graydon Megan is a freelancer.