Harvey City Council Approves New Intergovernmental Agreement to Enhance Public Safety Services
Harvey City Council Approves New Intergovernmental Agreement to Enhance Public Safety Services (Harvey, IL) — Chief Cameron Biddings of the Harvey Police Department (HPD) presented a significant proposal for the enhancement of public safety services during the City Council meeting held on Monday, August 14, 2023. The proposal, which received unanimous approval from the City Council, outlines a comprehensive Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the Harvey PD and the Illinois State Police (ISP).
Chief Biddings addressed Mayor Clark and esteemed City Council members expressing his enthusiasm for the proposed partnership between the Harvey PD and ISP. He highlighted the overarching objective of the IGA: to usher in a new era of policing in Harvey through a collaborative effort that focuses on improving policies, procedures, training, personnel, and the overall delivery of public safety services within the city.
“This Intergovernmental Agreement marks a pivotal moment in Harvey’s policing history, reflecting the commitment of the current administration to revamp and modernize our police department,” Chief Biddings stated. He went on to emphasize the city’s proactive approach to enhancing public safety by addressing areas of concern and building upon the groundwork laid by previous initiatives.
To date, the administration’s efforts have included initiatives to ensure professionalism in public safety services, rebuild the reputation of the HPD, expand the police force with competitive salaries and cutting-edge technology, and attract qualified personnel. The IGA with the ISP represents an exciting opportunity to further these advancements by establishing a rigorous collaborative framework aimed at transforming the HPD’s ability to serve the community.
Key highlights of the collaboration include:
- An Audit of Policies and Procedures: A comprehensive assessment of current HPD policies and procedures related to training, technology, personnel, and service delivery. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and develop recommendations to bridge existing gaps.
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures: Collaborative efforts to create standardized operating procedures and policies that align with the city’s objectives and ensure effective policing practices.
- Staffing Allocation Review: A thorough evaluation of current staffing allocations across different policing units to optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency.
- Supervision Effectiveness Assessment: An in-depth review of the supervision structure within the Harvey PD at all levels, aimed at enhancing the management of department operations.
Chief Biddings stressed this collaboration will be key in shaping the future of the Harvey PD and enhancing public safety in the city. He underscored the positive impact of the agreement, which not only establishes a new relationship with the ISP but also raises the standards of administration, supervision, training, and service delivery within the Harvey PD.
“We are committed to rebuilding public safety in Harvey through this groundbreaking collaboration with the ISP,” Chief Biddings concluded. “Ultimately, this partnership will benefit our residents and contribute to a safe and thriving community.”
The Harvey Police Department looks forward to embarking on this transformative journey with the Illinois State Police, solidifying a collaborative partnership that prioritizes the safety and well-being of Harvey’s citizens.
Harvey City Council Approves New Intergovernmental Agreement to Enhance Public Safety Services
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