Joliet officer recognized for detective work

JOLIET – Carlos Matlock was disappointed by the police officers who patrolled the Chicago neighborhood where he grew up.

“I saw a lot of times where they didn’t treat people well. I wanted to be different [and] make a difference,” the Joliet police detective said. “You see a lot of stories about what we don’t do. But I [became a cop] to give back to the community ... to make things better for people.”

On Tuesday, Matlock was recognized by the Exchange Club of Joliet as the 2014 Police Officer of the Year. Matlock, a police officer for more than 20 years, successfully closed 152 of the 164 cases assigned to him last year.

Police Chief Brian Benton called Matlock the “true model of a police detective.”

“He’s one of the most reliable members of our department. He can always be counted on to come in on a moment’s notice or stay late and give 110 percent,” Benton said.

Matlock worked all but one of the city’s homicides last year. When a woman was stabbed to death in August, he interviewed witnesses who identified her former roommate as a suspect. Matlock then questioned the suspect and obtained a full confession, Benton said.

In September, a woman was stabbed to death in Evergreen Terrace. Matlock identified a suspect after watching surveillance video and “he and another detective were able to break the suspect’s lies and [secure] a confession,” Benton said.

In December, Matlock questioned another suspect in a fatal drive-by shooting.

“Because of his ... impressive interview skills, two of the vehicle’s occupants were charged with first-degree murder,” Benton said.

Matlock said he is humbled and grateful for the recognition.

“It’s an honor and privilege to receive this award,” he said.

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POSTER CONTEST WINNERS

In addition to Det. Matlock, the Exchange Club of Joliet also recognized the winners of the annual Crime Prevention Poster contest:

• Pre-Kindergarten: Elizabeth Fleming, St. Mary Nativity
• Kindergarten: Brady Kos, St. Raymond
• First Grade: Guadalupe Martinez, MJ Cunningham Elementary
• Second Grade: Alaiha Grahar, St. Paul the Apostle
• Third Grade: Kayla Ann Mudron, St. Raymond