Public Safety Forum slated for Dec. 12
Posted: Nov. 14, 2023
The Village of Tinley Park will join the Village of Orland Park, Orland Township and Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison for the Southwest Suburban Public Safety Forum from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 S. Ravinia Ave.
The event aims to bring together community members, experts and local leaders to discuss pressing issues and enhance regional public safety efforts. Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady will moderate the form, and the panel of speakers will include Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz, Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi, and Interim Tinley Park Police Chief Thomas Tilton.
"We look forward to your presence and engagement in this event," Mayor Glotz said. "We are stronger when we work together, and this is a great step to ensuring our already safe communities stay that way."
Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau emphasized the significance of ensuring safety during the holiday shopping season.
"We want our local shoppers and visitors to feel secure while enjoying their shopping experience,” he said. “We have implemented measures to ensure their safety and will discuss safety tips during the forum.
“I’m looking forward to gathering with a shared purpose – to address pressing issues that affect the safety and well-being of our communities. By working together, we can effectively share strategies and initiatives that will enhance public safety and make our communities safer for everyone.”
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to voice their concerns and submit questions to the panel. Questions can be submitted either by passing them to the end of the aisle or by texting them to the forum organizers on site.
The panel will address as many questions as possible within the allotted meeting time. Topics will include an overview of crime rates and trends in the region, strategies to address these trends, and measures in place to ensure the safety of local shoppers and visitors during the holiday shopping season.
The panel also will discuss the implications of the SAFE-T act and how policies and operations are being adjusted accordingly. Other topics will include mental health and crisis intervention in public safety responses, staying up-to-date on emerging technologies, collaboration between retailers and law enforcement, and the regional efforts to enhance public safety.
“It is crucial for us to understand the implications of (the SAFE-T Act) and how they impact the area,” Morrison said. “We will discuss the adjustments in policies and operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.”
Organizers encourage all residents of the Southwest suburbs to attend and actively participate in this important discussion. Notepads and pens will be available, and organizers will collect questions throughout the meeting. The Public Safety Forum will also be livestreamed via the Village of Orland Park YouTube channel.
For more information, email safetyforum@orlandpark.org or visit the event’s Facebook page.