Elgin police tackle issues from eggings to bikers

By Gloria Casas, Elgin Courier-News
Original article HERE

Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda wore one of the department’s new body cameras to his most recent monthly Coffee with a Cop session, but mostly answered questions integral to community policing.

“There’s been a rash of eggings, especially in Valley Creek, for some reason,” Swoboda told a woman who said a house on her street was egged.

Another resident asked whether a proposed gun range coming to McLean Boulevard would attract more crime. Swoboda said the business has met all police requests for security, including having surveillance cameras outside that link to the police department. He added that it’s up to the city council where the business can locate.

Swoboda’s monthly sessions are one of the department’s many community policing efforts. The components of community policing include developing partnerships with residents and organizations and proactive problem solving.

Elgin police have practiced the strategy for more than 20 years, building on the concept with Spanish-language meetings to discuss immigration and other issues.

The most recent session drew 25 people with issues ranging from abandoned cars to loud neighbors to a neighborhood drug house..

Swoboda and his police commanders answer question and explain the process of filing a complaint or following up on complaints. A resident whose neighbor is selling drugs learned what police can do and what she needs to do to help resolve the situation.

Another resident asked for additional patrols for a downtown parking lot where bikers have been drinking, smoking and loitering on Sunday nights. Elgin police have broken up the gatherings on numerous occasions, but the bikers come back later and start up again, the resident said.

“If you see them, call us, but we will do extra patrols,” Commander Ana Lalley said.

Residents should never hesitate to call police, Swoboda said.

The next chief’s session is at 6 p.m. Monday, April 24, at the Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave.