Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: January 28, 2022
At the January 27, 2022 Village of Westmont Police Public Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Jim Gunther presented the Westmont Police Department’s 2021 annual report to the Village Board. “I am very proud of our Police Department and the way they responded to the numerous and complex challenges faced by public safety professionals,” said Chief of Police Jim Gunther. “I want to thank all of our Police personnel for their dedication to serving the community.” Following are highlights from 2021 as well as goals for 2022.
2021 WPD Annual Report Highlights
- ACCREDITATION - The Westmont Police Department continued to maintain all accreditation criteria in 2021 after achieving ILEAP TIER II Accreditation in 2020.
- BUDGET - In a year of continued fiscal uncertainty and conservative spending practices due to COVID-19, the Police Department underspent their annual budget by more than $500,000 in 2021.
- CALLS FOR SERVICE - The Police Department responded to a total of 21,574 calls for service, which is similar to the past three years.
- COUNTY INVOLVEMENT - Chief Gunther was sworn in as President of the DuPage County Chiefs of Police Association for a one-year term and as Chairman of the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigations Team (MERIT) for a two-year term.
- POLICE HIRING - Six new officers were hired by the Westmont Police Department in 2021; a total of 14 new officers have been hired since 2018
- DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY TRAINING - All Police Department received training to recognize and assist individuals with dementia resulting in Westmont being certified a Dementia-friendly community in 2020, these practices were maintained in 2021.
- SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUPPORT - The Westmont Police Department conducted a number of fundraisers for Special Olympics Illinois including the Dunkin’ Coffee for Champions event and the annual paper shred event, raising over $18,000.
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH - The WPD held their annual National Night Out Open House event, the Citizens’ Police Academy, the Jr. Citizens’ Police Academy, and the popular Squad Car Night as part of the Westmont Cruisin’ Nights.
2022 Westmont Police Department Goals
- Implement body camera program (three years ahead of State mandate).
- Continue new officer hiring process.
- Police Department Facility interior upgrades.
- Continue and improve environmental-friendly practices.
- Training regarding new State mandates.
- Implement License Plate Recognition camera system.
- Implement technology enhancements to improve productivity and public transparency.
A complete copy of the 2021 Westmont Police Department Annual Report has been posted on the Village Website.
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