In an effort to become a "best in class" model of a  modern, suburban policing agency, the Lemont Police Department has formed a partnership with a strategic security firm Hillard Heintze to assess and enhance the effectiveness of the village's current operations.

The partnership, which was announced by Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves at the Jan. 24 Village Board meeting, is intended to develop "best practice policies" for Lemont Police through extensive research and analysis.

According to a press release from the village, "special attention will be given to operating the department in financially-challenging times and utilizing cost-effective methods to maximize and improve the services provided to Lemont residents."

“It’s one thing to talk about excellence in policing, but actually realizing it requires a constant focus on where we can do better — in preventing harm to our constituents before it occurs, in taking advantage of new practices, processes and technologies, in tirelessly searching for more efficient ways to get more value out of our budget and our tax dollars,” Reaves said. “And the best way to do that is – from time to time – to take a fresh look at everything that we’re doing from an external, and an expert, perspective.”

Consultants at Hillard Heintze will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which will determine "what functions of the department work best, as well as what can be improved to make the Lemont Police Department a best-in-class model of a modern, suburban police department," the release said.

Hillard Heintze was formed in 2004 by retired Chicago Police Superintendent Terry Hillard and retired U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Arnette Heintze. The firm, which works with numerous Fortune 500 firms and government agencies, specializes in developing security strategies and investigations to enhance public safety.

According to Lemont officials, the village will work with the Hillard Heintze Senior Leadership Council, an independent panel composed of retired city police chiefs, to enhance current policies related to public safety and police operations.

“All of the drivers of effectiveness in policing and public safety are constantly changing,” Heintze said. “Lemont is one of the very few communities in the United States that aren’t waiting for something to break to take action. We are honored to support Mayor Reaves in this endeavor – as well as the Village Administrator (Ben Wehmeier), the Village Board, Chief (Kevin) Shaughnessy, and members of the community.  We will serve them with integrity and distinction.”

Reaves said last week that questionnaires are currently being developed to go out to various community groups as the firm begins to counsel village staff on staff and budget issues. The process is expected to take about six months, he said.

Shaughnessy, who has already started meeting with consultants, said he is eager to find ways to enhance the department's ability to serve the public.

"I'm looking forward to finding ways to improve the Lemont Police Department and making it more efficient so it works at its highest capacity," he said.

For more information on Hillard Heintze, visit www.hillardheintze.com.