Orland, Tinley, Township Leaders To Collaborate In Public Safety Forum

ORLAND PARK, IL — The mayors of Orland Park and Tinley Park will join resources next month, in a public safety forum amidst the holiday season.

The Village of Orland Park, Village of Tinley Park, Orland Township, and the Office of Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison announced Monday an upcoming Southwest Suburban Public Safety Forum. The event aims "to bring together community members, experts, and local leaders to discuss pressing issues and enhance regional public safety efforts," the organizers said in a release.

The meeting will take place on Dec. 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, located at 14750 S. Ravinia Ave. in Orland Park. The public safety forum will be moderated by Orland Township Supervisor, Paul O’Grady. The panel of speakers includes Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz, Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison, Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi, and Interim Tinley Park Police Chief Thomas Tilton.

"We want our local shoppers and visitors to feel secure while enjoying their shopping experience," said Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, of shopping during the holiday season. "We have implemented measures to ensure their safety and will discuss safety tips during the forum.

“I’m looking forward to gathering with a shared purpose—to address pressing issues that affect the safety and well-being of our communities. By working together, we can effectively share strategies and initiatives that will enhance public safety and make our communities safer for everyone."

During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to address their concerns and submit questions to the panel. Questions can be submitted either by passing them to the end of the aisle or by texting them to the forum organizers on site.

The panel will address as many questions as possible within the allotted meeting time, organizers said. The topics to be discussed include an overview of crime rates and trends in the region, strategies to address these trends, and measures in place to ensure the safety of local shoppers and visitors during the holiday shopping season.

"We look forward to your presence and engagement in this event," said Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz. "We are stronger when we work together and this is a great step to ensuring our already safe communities stay that way."

The panel will also discuss the implications of the SAFE-T act and how policies and operations are being adjusted accordingly. Mental health and crisis intervention in public safety responses, staying up to date on emerging technologies, collaboration between retailers and law enforcement, and the regional efforts to enhance public safety will also be covered.

"It is crucial for us to understand the implications of this Act and how they impact the area," said Cook County Commissioner Morrison, referencing the possible implications of the SAFE-T Act. "We will discuss the adjustments in policies and operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities."

The organizers of the Public Safety Forum encourage all residents of the Southwest suburban area to attend and actively participate in this important discussion. Notepads and pens will be provided to all attendees, and questions will be collected throughout the meeting. The Public Safety Forum will also be livestreamed via the Village of Orland Park YouTube channel.

For more information about the Public Safety Forum, please email safetyforum@orlandpark.org.