Maywood discusses homeland-security initiative and lateral-hiring plan for police

Village officials briefed trustees on public-safety initiatives and a staffing proposal the evening of Sept. 7, 2021.

Kendall Silas and Acting Police Chief Elijah Willis presented an overview of a proposed Homeland Security & Public Safety initiative. Trustees reached consensus to place a fuller proposal on a future meeting agenda so staff can return with additional details and any required intergovernmental coordination.

Under new business the board reviewed a memorandum regarding an ordinance to amend Section 31.21 (Board of Fire and Police Commissioners) to adopt a lateral-hiring program for entry-level police officers; the item was listed as "information only" and was not adopted at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Trustees also received notice of a SESAC Music Performance License (Version 2021) as informational; no licensing action was taken at the Sept. 7 meeting.

The Committee of the Whole did not vote on changes to hiring rules or on formal public-safety policy at the Sept. 7 session; staff and trustees indicated further review would be scheduled before any ordinance is prepared for final board action.