Hanover Park Police Department Implemented a New Initiative Utilizing Area Response Teams (ART)

Release date: Monday, January 18, 2010

On January 4, 2010 the Hanover Park Police Department implemented a new initiative utilizing Area Response Teams (ART). The new ART initiative is aimed at increasing communication, familiarity and relations with the residents of Hanover Park. The Village of Hanover Park is currently divided up into six policing areas or “beats”. The ART strategy involves the assigning of officers to a specific area of town or beat for a period of one year. In previous years, officers were assigned to an area for a period of six weeks at a time. By assigning the officers to the area for a period of one year, the Police Department is hoping to increase personnel's familiarity with the unique problems or issues each area faces.

In addition to this change, a supervisor will now be assigned to each area and will be responsible for supervising and working with the area teams to address any ongoing issues or crime occurring in the assigned area.

Residents from each area will also have the opportunity to attend quarterly meetings with the police officers and supervisors assigned to their area. The goal of these meetings is to allow residents to exchange information with police department representatives as well as voice any concerns or questions a resident may have.

The Hanover Park Police Department encourages all residents to visit the Village of Hanover Park website to obtain more information on the ART initiative.