Village Approves Agreement With ATF On Evidence Processing At Orland Park Police Department Facility

Orland Park IL

24 February, 2022

3:36 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, Richard Free Press: ORLAND PARK, Ill. — The Orland Park Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are entering into an agreement that will have local law enforcement processing evidence for the federal agency at the Orland Park Police Department facility. The Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees voted 7-0 Monday, Feb. 21, to approve the Joint Law Enforcement Operations State and Local Overtime Funding (SLOT) agreement. "[ATF] has sought us out to assist them with some federal investigations, meaning that we will be processing their evidence at the Orland Park Police Department," Police Chief Joseph Mitchell told the board members during the meeting. "They feel that we have the expertise to do that. We have state-of-the-art equipment, and they have seen the results taking place in state court regarding our forensic analysis and extraction. "The SLOT agreement allows us to … build a strong relationship with ATF, as well as receive additional equipment and supplies as a result of us utilizing our equipment to extract DNA or latent prints off of the evidence they seize during federal investigations. "It has no operational impact whatsoever. This will occur after hours. Our street evidence technicians will do this and get paid by the ATF at a rate of one-and-a-half times." Mitchell called it a "great program." Trustee Sean Kampas complimented the police department on being selected for the partnership. "This agreement underscores the innovation and outstanding work of our police department," Kampas said. "For those who don't know, our department has … state-of-the-art equipment and the expertise in processing forensic evidence, such as latent fingerprints, DNA [and more]. We have this lab because it gives us the opportunity to do this work in 24 to 48 hours." Kampas asked Mitchell how long it would take for the state to process that type of evidence, and the chief responded that it could take up to eight to 10 months for fingerprints and about six months for DNA. "This is how Orland Park is leading," Kampas said. "I think the ATF has taken notice, and I'm looking forward to this partnership. I'm hoping this increased partnership will also further our mission in removing illegal guns from our streets." Trustee Michael Milani also complimented the Orland Park police. "When we invest in our police department, we get results," he said. "This agreement is proof that we have a skilled and professional investigations unit and that we have the training and the tools to get the job done. I thank the ATF for offering us this program." Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.