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Skokie police renew commitment to safety
Updated: January 21, 2013 3:05PM
SKOKIE — In the wake of the deadliest elementary school shooting in the nation’s history, the Skokie Police Department Monday renewed its commitment to keeping the community safe – especially the school community.
Local police issued a statement assuring the community that the Department is “committed to providing the resources necessary to ensure safety in all Skokie schools.”
“While no one can guarantee safety against maniacal acts of violence,” Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said, “the community can be assured that the Skokie Police Department, through a coordinated effort with local school districts and the Skokie Fire Department, maintains and continues to evaluate each individual school district’s safety plan.”
Scarpelli said police will revaluate past practices “as is occurring in many communities across the nation.”
“The Departments’ extensive and ongoing emergency response training, which includes lockdown drills and other highly detailed procedures, is well worth the continued effort,” he said.
In early January, the Skokie Police Department will invite administrators from all Skokie schools to a school safety and crisis plans. review meeting.
The village works closely with all Skokie school districts, and has school resource officers at four schools as well as implementing other security measures to ensure school safety, police said.
Following Friday’s shooting in Newtown, Conn., where 20 children and six adults were killed in an elementary school, Skokie police stepped up patrols around local schools.
“The Skokie Police Department promises the community that we will continue to dedicate our efforts and expertise to the safety of Skokie schools, and safety in the entire community,” Scarpelli said.
If residents have a safety concern or witness suspicious persons near a school or anywhere in the village, they are asked to call 911 immediately.
“My colleagues and I appreciate the community’s support for the work we do each day to ensure public safety,” Scarpelli said.
The Skokie Police Department’s Crime Tip Hotline is now available for residents to leave non-emergency anonymous information. The Crime Tip Hotline number is 847-933-TIPS (8477) and is available 24 hours a day.
More information can be found at www.skokie.org.
