Hainesville police department makes key additions -- officers

Hainesville's new police department is no longer a one-man operation.

The department has hired its first five officers -- Jim DeCaro, Roy McCommons, Karl Perman, Carl Williams and Kurt Winquist -- and they're scheduled to begin work within two weeks.

"I feel very confident these five people will give Hainesville their money's worth," Chief Ronald Roth said of the men who were sworn in before the village board Tuesday.

Hainesville created its own police department in January after ending its partnership with Round Lake Park that started in 1999. The Lake County Sheriff's Office is providing free police service until May 10.

Roth said his new department plans to operate using four full-time and six to eight part-time officers.

When the new officers start duty, their training will include learning the streets, makeup of the town and how the dispatch center works. They may assist the sheriff's office in handling calls, he added.

McCommons, the only full-time officer in the group, has the most experience -- 29 years with the Mundelein Police Department. His background includes work as a certified juvenile investigator, senior crime scene technician and field training officer. Owens has taught Stranger Danger and led neighborhood watch programs. Williams has expertise in drug enforcement.

"You will see these guys out on the street interacting with you and your kids and your neighbors," Mayor Ted Mueller said before welcoming the new officers aboard.

Winquist said he welcomes the chance to work with a department starting from the ground up. And he looks forward to meeting citizens and developing their trust.

"You get a chance to be a part of a tradition that is just getting started," he said.

Roth also said department startup costs are coming in below what was expected, thanks in part to equipment donations from nearby police departments.

Expected costs from when he was hired Jan. 22 to May 1 are $73,592. That includes $42,000 for salary, $11,225 for office costs, $3,500 for uniforms and $8,750 to equip two police cars donated by the village of Round Lake Beach. The board also approved a municipal lease to obtain a third police car.

To become a 24-hour department, Roth said, the village still needs to hire additional officers and create a records system

Roth said he would like to start community policing programs. He has received calls from residents suggesting areas that may need patrols.

Proclaiming an open-door policy, Roth said he urges people to call or visit him to help keep him informed about what's happening within the village.