Romeoville Police Department hires officer to enhance community relations

The Romeoville Police Department said it’s making efforts to enhance its community policing efforts.

The department recently hired Demetris Anderson to fill the newly established position of commander of community relations, according to a news release.

Anderson’s job calls for developing strategies and programs to work with the community, specifically in community outreach and youth engagement. His priorities will include partnering with local organizations and promoting community-oriented policing programs.

“My goal with this position is to create an inclusive culture between the community and law enforcement,” Anderson said in the release. “A community that feels respected and protected is more likely to return respect and have trust in our department.”

Anderson started his career in law enforcement in Romeoville in 2003 and spent a decade as a school liaison officer. He said coaching and mentoring kids in the village has been extremely rewarding.

The village also highlighted its other forms of community outreach, such as its citizen and youth police academies, the DARE program and police participation in public events such as the National Night Out and park parties.

The village has also made efforts to enhance its proactive policing. It recently hired eight officers to patrol neighborhoods.

It also outlined and enacted a truck enforcement plan.

Residents with ideas related to community relations are asked to call the village at 815-886-7219 or email danderson@romeoville.org.