​When Dan Cronin recently presented the Dupage County Budget, he highlighted a number of steps
the county is taking and concessions employeess have been asked to make  in order to balance the budget. He also discussed the impact of the $161 million the county received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.

The two priorities Cronin cited are public health and public safety.  As reported on Naperville News 17, 
Crime rates have been up in the county and in an effort to help combat that, DuPage is creating special crime units, as well as working with the State’s Attorney Office to prosecute criminals. “We’re not
bringing in new people to head these units,” said Cronin. “We’re taking the talented people that we have in State’s Attorney’s Office and we’re promoting from within, and we’re assigning them to these units. And yeah, they should get a pay raise and they’ll have the resources in these units to fight these more complex and more heinous crimes.”

Organizations like the Dupage County NAACP,  the College of Dupage,  and Unity Partnership were also mentioned for their efforts with police training.  While supporting officer training,  Unity Partnership is working on a number of other inititaves, including educational workshops for the community members on Traffic Stops and the Use of Force, and increasing departmental diversity in both sworn and non sworn positions.   We are also close to completing a Template of suggested reforms which was developed with input from the community and DuPage Chiefs, which we believe  will increase transparency and build trust.   These reforms include the adoption of body cameras, licensing officers, reforming the complaint process and the establishment of Civilian Collaboration Boards.  Despite the ongoing challenges of Covid 19, we continue to work on our mission to have a positive impact on the relationship between police and civlilians.  

In the first of a series of interviews with Dana Davenport and Rebecca Malotke-Meslin on Finding Common Ground, Regina Brent, Unity Parternship President and Founder, and Bob Marshall, Chief of the Naperville Police Department discuss recent protests, riots and rallies in response to the killing of George Floyd. 

In the second segment on police policies and procedures,  Chief Marshall talks about the lack of consistency in policy across departments and the challenges that creates.  Regina shares feedback thta Unity Partnership has recieved from the community regarding negative encounters with police and describes the difficulties individuals face when trying to file a complaint.  Listen as they explore these policies and procedural issues and possible remedies. 

Unity Partnership hosted a Naperville rally for a call to action in response to what happened to George Floyd and racial incidents in the community.  See the video above and click this article link for more details and views from some of those who participated.  Several members of the community spoke.  Hear a few of their heartfelt stories and pleas for change.

Marcus Towns and Marquel Olliver

​Last fall, Regina Brent and Paul Scott met with Chief Brian King of the Hinsdale Police Department.  In that meeting, Chief King shared both his interest and his commitment to diversify the sworn ranks of his department.  Greater visibility of minority groups within departments can improve the relationship between the police and those in the community who feel marginalized and disaffected.  It is one measure of a larger commitment to changing attitudes and promoting trust.  See the attached for details about the Hinsdale PD openings.  

The IL NAACP Law Enforcement Committee led by retired Chief Robert Moore has informed us of IL State Police summer camp opportunities for students of color.  We are posting this notice to support outreach by both the NAACP and the IL State Police, and to further our effort to bridge the police and community divide. Please see the brochure below for all the details.  
​

On Sunday afternoon, January 6, 2019, members of Unity Partnership kicked off the new year by attending an event hosted by several different faith-based organizations.  This event was held in Naperville at Wentz Hall. Tom Cordaro, from St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, organized the event and served as the moderator. They keynote speaker was from the Sikh community.  Representatives from a variety of faiths shared their reflections.  I represented the DuPage AME Church, and used as my theme the allegory of The Long Handled Spoons, a parable which has become part of the folklore of several cultures.   My message was that sometimes, thinking solely our own personal gratification, we stop caring for each other.  In so doing, we unconsciously harm ourselves since we are all interdependent.

​In reference to law enforcement too, we must realize that both civilians and police need one another.   Acknowledging our interdependence will ensure that we treat each with respect, and achieve our goal of life, liberty, and justice for all.  Remember, change begins with ordinary people, and it can begin with you.
 
Regina Brent, Founder & President
Unity Partnership

​On Thursday, November 9th, from 7:00-9:00 pm, at the Lisle Village Hall, Unity Partnership hosted its third workshop on Traffic Stops.  Paul Scott, a member of the Law Enforcement Committee, introduced the program and the Police Chief of Lisle, David Anderson facilitated. The session was well attended and was also live streamed.  Chief Anderson explained protocol and explored the challenges of traffic stops from both the civilian and police perspective.  Video segments demonstrated routine stops and an investigative stop, i.e., a driver stopped because her car matches the description of a car involved in a retail theft.  The video segments and the presentation prompted lively discussion and questions, and participants also recounted some of their own past experiences with police. Following the session, participants graciously provided written feedback about what they had learned about best practices as a driver when being stopped, and about the complaint process. Sample comments included, “a complaint about the reason for the ticket is different from a complaint about the behavior of the ticketing officer,” and “the police department welcomes a complaint.” We also asked participants about specific topics that they would like to see addressed in future sessions.   While there are several, one in particular stood out: improving police and civilian engagement.  Our goal is to promote that engagement by continued outreach and training.  Please plan to join us for our next workshop to ensure that your voice is heard.     

​ILACP Law Enforcement & Unity Partnership, NFP 
host a private luncheonTuesday, January 16, 2018 
12:30 PM
At
The Craftsman Restaurant in Naperville, IL 60563 
In honor of The 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday
Featuring Guest Speaker

• Mrs. Naomi Ruth Barber King

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Dallas Memorial