I grew up in a law enforcement family, attended OPRF High School and Triton College, and earned my degrees from Lewis University. My connection to Oak Park and River Forest is lifelong. That is why I am concerned. Recently, Wednesday Journal reported that Oak Park will investigate its Halloween police response, when more than 500 teens crowded downtown and gunshots were reportedly fired. Police Chief Shatonya Johnson stood by her officers. Yet Village President Vicki Scaman announced that the Citizen Police Oversight Committee would lead the investigation “to provide answers to residents.” Providing answers is precisely why you hire a chief of police. If village leaders do not trust the chief and her staff to conduct a proper investigation, they should reconsider her appointment not because she did anything wrong, but because their actions show a lack of confidence. On Halloween night, Oak Park received vital assistance from neighboring agencies, including Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero, and River Forest. A River Forest officer used a less-lethal pepper ball shotgun to disperse the crowd, following guidelines and without causing injury. However, complaints have arisen, and Oak Park appears ready to review the officer’s actions. That is not Oak Park’s jurisdiction. Doing so could harm interagency relationships that are essential during emergencies. If you ask for help, you should appreciate it. Oak Park’s decision to reject its Flock camera contract is another mistake. From experience, I believe the two most influential technologies in law enforcement over the past decade are Flock cameras and AI tools. Turning them down will leave Oak Park behind and make it harder to attract tech-savvy officers. The suggestion to hire a full-time police oversight staff member is another step that could alienate officers. The effects are already apparent: several commanders have left Oak Park, including one who stepped down to a patrol role in La Grange very unusual and another who became chief in Beloit, Wisconsin, but left before reaching 20 years of service. These are not typical career moves. They indicate frustration. Oversight and accountability are essential. Yet Oak Park’s environment shaped by political interference and interest group influence undermines morale and effectiveness. Residents should want a department that is well-trained, professional, compassionate, and equitable. Oak Park currently has that. Continuing down this path could threaten it. When I became chief of Riverside, I visited every shift during my first week and asked officers for five changes they wanted. Their requests were straightforward: better squad cars, fair promotional exams, new uniforms, leadership support when they were correct, and more training. We put all five into action within a year. Morale increased. Officers felt listened to. And the community benefited. Let’s be clear: accountability isn’t the issue. Political takeovers are. Citizens and elected officials definitely have the right to hold police departments accountable. Transparency, oversight, and public trust are crucial for effective policing in a democratic society. But when politicians, advocacy groups, and consultants try to control police departments setting policy, procedures, training, and even operational choices they cross a dangerous line. That is not accountability. That is a hostile takeover. Police departments are not political pawns. They are professional institutions with a mission to serve and protect, guided by law, training, and operational expertise not by political agendas or media optics. Accountability strengthens departments. Political interference destroys them. Oak Park must choose wisely. Tom Weitzel, who grew up in Oak Park, is a retired chief of police in Riverside, with 37 years of law enforcement experience. He now advocates nationally for officer safety, responsible media, and principled leadership.
https://www.oakpark.com/2025/11/25/politics-should-not-guide-policing/
Politics should not guide policing
