Oak Forest Sgt. Lynch Now Eligible To Become A Police Chief

OAK FOREST, IL — City of Oak Forest Police Sgt. Thomas Lynch has been certified by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP), according to Chief of Police, Jason J. Reid.

According to Reid, Lynch is now a certified eligible police chief. Reid said he, along with the city, are pleased to share the news.

"This designation signifies that Sgt. Lynch has met the highest standards of competency and conduct for his profession," Reid said. "Sgt. Lynch is among only a select few Illinois police command staff able to meet the stringent requirements of the program since its inception in 1998."

According to Reid, to be eligible for the program, those interested in pursuing the certification have to meet ILACP’s criteria for experience, education, professional membership and community involvement.

Reid said the first phase of the process requires candidates to demonstrate extensive law enforcement experience, including command and executive posts, a solid educational background that encompasses continuing education and training, and an active participation in relevant professional and community organizations.

After meeting the requirements, those in the program are allowed to take the certification exam, testing their knowledge of managerial concepts, modern policing concepts, law and leading cases, and budgeting principles, according to Reid. Candidates who master this are then seen by a panel of peers, consisting of three active Illinois Police Chiefs.

"During the structured interview, the panel questions and evaluates the candidate in the areas of leadership, management, public relations, verbal communication and ethics," Reid said. "Only those who have successfully completed all phases of the assessment process are granted the distinction of a Certified Eligible Police Chief in Illinois."

Illinois is the only state that offers a Police Chief Certification Program based on an extensive, legally validated examination process, according to Reid.

Reid said the program is designed to recognize those law enforcement professionals who excel in all facets of the police chief function. In order to maintain certification status, police command staff must meet ongoing requirements and apply for re-certification every 5 years.