Inverness' 1st police chief on leadership, transition and TV cops
Last week, Inverness hired Robert Hass Jr. to do something that's rarely done in the Chicago suburbs anymore: build a police department from scratch.
Haas, 49, the deputy police chief in Palatine, has more than 27 years of law enforcement experience and will take over as Inverness' first-ever chief of police Nov. 1.
Wednesday, Haas talked about himself, his new job and the one he leaves behind.
Q. What appealed to you about becoming chief in Inverness?
A. It was the opportunity to start your own department from the ground up. And the fact that I live in Inverness didn't hurt.
Q. What made you want to become a police officer?
A. I am not really sure. I set my sights on being an officer when I was a sophomore in high school. I did my internship in Palatine and never left.
Q. What is the best part of starting a new department?
A. You are able to walk in and make your own impressions.
Q. What will be most challenging about starting a new department?
A. At first I thought it would be staffing, but I have already gotten a lot of good candidates. It is just going to be a new adventure for everyone.
Q. What will you miss most about working with the Palatine Police Department?
A. I am going to miss the people I work with and the community. But, I am just going to be next door, so I will stay involved.
Q. What message would you like to get across to the Inverness residents?
A. I am very approachable and very open-minded. I want to know what the community thinks.
Q. What will you be doing between when you start in November and when the department is up and running in May?
A. I will be getting the staffing and getting the station together. I will also be getting to know my new personnel.
Q. What type of leader are you?
A. I am hands-on. I still work the street here in Palatine. I also like to work with other people, by taking their ideas and incorporating them with my own.
Q. Do you have a family?
A. Yes, I am married with two kids, three stepkids and a step-granddaughter.
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. Golf and work out.
Q. Favorite police character on TV or in a movie?
A. Lt. Horatio Caine from "CSI: Miami."