Police Chief's Report

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On June 6, 2011, Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey released the following report to the Chester City Council at the regular City Council meeting.

Chief Coffey reported that he has received written notification from Randolph County States Attorney Randy Rodewald's office that $7,805.00 has been released by the Courts and ordered to the Chester Police Department. The cash had been seized from 1615 High Street last August by Chester Police during the execution of a search warrant. The letter indicates that the money can be removed from evidence and placed into a special account to be used for drug enforcement purposes.

Chief Coffey reported that the COPS Hiring Grant was submitted as of May 23, 2011, per Council approval.

A grant to aid in funding the federally-mandated narrow-banding was made available through the Illinois Terrorism Task Force. Deputy Chief Bobby Helmers was placed in charge of the project, which required a detailed research into the City's current radio equipment and what will be compliant with the eventual narrow-banding to identify what will need to be replaced. The Department received assistance from Warner Communications and Chuck Kelley of MedStar Ambulance Services.

On May 20th, 2011, Chief Coffey participated in establishing a meeting between members of the Chester Chamber of Commerce and Knight Hawk Coal Company. Several individuals representing many area governmental groups were in attendance. The group discussed a number of issues affecting Chester and the surrounding area, from tractor trailer truck volume, to truck safety standards, to roadway conditions. He indicated that the meeting identified some topics that could be researched and plans for a future meeting will be established soon.

Chief Coffey also reported that the Police Department has begun the process of purchasing new Body Armor. He reminded the Council that he had reported on this topic several months ago, upon receiving grant funding to aid in this equipment purchase. Chief Coffey indicated in that report that the officers bullet-proof vests are beginning to expire and will need replacing. The grant pays for 50% of the costs associated in the purchase.

A speed reduction request has been approved by IDOT. Chief Coffey reported that the speed will be reduced on Route 150 near the Craig Manor Assisted Living Center. The speed will be reduced to 45mph. The plan is to move the speed zone further east (north) as well.

On May 19th, Chief Coffey attended a meeting with Sheriff Mike Hoelscher, along with other area law enforcement representatives. The meeting was to discuss the possibility of re-establishing a County-wide Task Force.

Chief Coffey reported on his plans to expand and improve upon the Department's performance evaluation / appraisal program. Chief Coffey established the existing program almost two years ago, but has identified that the program has its limitations. He reported that the program reinforces previously identified Department priorities and gives the employee a clearer understanding of their performance with those priorities in mind. Chief Coffey said the next phase of this program is to establish an even more thorough employee specific performance appraisal program.

Chief Coffey provided a brief report on the canine officer. He indicated that the Officer and his canine partner have been with the Chester Police Department for approximately 15 months. They have participated in approximately 28 drug-related arrests so far and have participated in numerous school searches, not only in Chester but throughout the region. The two have also conducted demonstrations at Chester schools and other civic organizations within the community. Chief Coffey commended the Officer, identifying the program as a great asset to the Police Department and the Community.

The remainder of the report concerned the current City Ordinance Enforcement caseload.

Chief Coffey added that on Saturday night, June 4th, Chester Police Officers executed a search warrant at 209 E. German Street in Chester on suspicion of illegal drug activity. The Police Department reported having arrested two subjects charging them with various drug-related offenses.