City of Elmhurst

Peer Jury

About the Peer Jury

What is the youth Peer Jury?

The Peer Jury program is an innovative alternative tool used to divert nonviolent first time youth offenders from a formal court action.

The make up of a model Jury

The goal of the program is to choose student volunteers from the community who represent diverse background and different age groups; jurors must be mature and trustworthy.Once selected, jurors participate in training to give them background in Juvenile law, and teach them communication skills.They learn how to disseminate information, arrive at the appropriate solutions, and maintain strict confidentiality about the defendant.

What are the crimes heard & sentences given to offenders?

Misdemeanors and status offenses. Typical cases include retail theft, criminal damage or trespassing to property etc.

Contact

The following form can be used to contact the peer jury coordinators with questions.

D.A.R.E. Program

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) was established in California in 1985, in collaboration between the Los Angeles Police Department and the California School District. The purpose of the program is to help students in the fifth grade recognize and resist many of the subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol and marijuana. The seventeen-week curriculum focuses on feelings relating to self-esteem, interpersonal and communication skills, decision making and positive alternatives to drug abuse behavior. Project D.A.R.E. offers a variety of activity-oriented techniques designed to encourage student generated responses to problem-solving situations.

The Elmhurst Police Department, became involved in the D.A.R.E. program in 1987, putting officers in Timothy Christian School and Immanuel Lutheran School fifth grade classrooms. D.A.R.E. has since expanded to all fifth grade elementary schools. D.A.R.E. officers also present programs from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Currently, the Elmhurst Police Department has seven D.A.R.E. officers who spend one day a week in their designated school teaching, eating lunch and interacting with the students. The semester concludes with a graduation ceremony where students receive certificates recognizing their achievement in completing the program.

The D.A.R.E. program has created a positive relationship between the young people of Elmhurst and the police. Veteran D.A.R.E. officers have said that high school students and young adults have stopped them on the street and thanked them for helping them become better decision-makers.

V.E.G.A.

Violence Education Gang Awareness

V.E.G.A. is a collaborative effort by law enforcement officer and educators to offer an educational program in the classroom. The purpose is to help students become more aware of the destructive nature of gangs, violence and drugs, and, to develop more positive ways of dealing with these issues.

The V.E.G.A. program targets known risk factors and offers prevention strategies that focus on communication skills, decision-making, conflict resolution, self-esteem, peer and social pressures, and, positive alternative activities to gangs and other negative behaviors. It is designed to support and enhance other school based prevention programs.

The V.E.G.A. program is taught in the Elmhurst schools, both public and private, at the sixth grade level as part of the health curriculum. The classroom teachers play a supportive role in the learning experience. V.E.G.A. offers opportunity for students to become involved with their learning. There are many activities designed to encourage students to share experiences, solve problems, set goals and make decisions that affect their future.

V.E.G.A. is taught for six (6) consecutive days by a sworn police officer who has been trained in both the D.A.R.E. and V.E.G.A. curriculums.

Citizen's Police Academy

On September 21, 2000, the Elmhurst Police Department hosted their first Citizen's Police Academy. The concept of "academies" for citizens is one of the newest items in proactive policing within the law enforcement community. The first Citizen's Police Academy offered in the United States dates back to 1985 when the Orlando Florida Police Department first presented it. The Orlando Academy was modeled after an Academy in England that began in 1977. The academy was implemented to allow the citizens who were anxious to learn about police functions to become familiar with how they operated.

The advantages of a Citizen's Police Academy are significant. The Elmhurst Police Department has developed the Citizen's Police Academy with the goal of enhancing communication between the police department and the community, thereby creating a greater understanding of the officers' role in our community.

The twelve week academy offered courses of instruction in areas such as Interviewing and Interrogations, Crime Scene Analysis, Investigations, Defensive Tactics, Firearms Training and Traffic Stops. Several classes will provide students with actual hands-on-training. A graduation ceremony with students and family members concluded the course of training.

Sexual Assault Awareness

Anyone can be a victim of a criminal sexual assault. You can be any age, gender race or class status. The offender can be a stranger, a friend a co-worker, a family member, young or old. There are many myths about criminal sexual assault that are far from the true facts. Often times a survivor finds it difficult to report this crime. The Elmhurst Police Department realizes that this is a highly emotional crime, which requires a sensitive approach. The Anti-Criminal Sexual Assault Program provides information, statistics, facts, theory and prevention techniques. It clearly identifies myths from facts. The program's emphasis is in providing support and respect to survivors and their family members. It provides information about assistance and referral agencies and programs thereby constructing a bridge between the community and police department. Presentations are tailored to meet the needs of those attending. The Elmhurst Police Department recognizes criminal sexual assault as a terrible crime against a person and will not tolerate it in any form.

Crime Prevention Programs

"AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION IS WORTH A POUND OF CURE"

"An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure"; this is an old adage that applies to the new millennium. There is no such thing as a crime free place anywhere, yet you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim by simply taking that "Ounce of Prevention."

In order for a crime to occur three conditions must exist:

1. Desire (of the criminal)
2. Ability (of the criminal)
3. Opportunity

This is referred to as the "Crime Triangle," each condition is like one side of a triangle.

The one condition that you can influence is "Opportunity." You cannot influence a criminal's "Desire" or "Ability," but you can influence their "Opportunity" to victimize you. This is done by opportunity reduction, reducing your risk of becoming a victim.

Reduce vulnerabilities: you reduce your risk of being a victim by focusing on opportunity reduction. Keep this in mind, criminals are basically lazy, and seek opportunities that offer the least risk to them in being caught or detected.

One of the first steps to reduce your vulnerability is a simple one, just take a moment to lock your doors and windows, use outside lighting, and do not keep valuables in plain sight. This is referred to as target hardening. Remember criminals are basically lazy, by making your home or car more difficult to get into and increases their risk of being caught or detected. They will go onto an easier target. Think of it this way: If there are five cars parked in a line and four are locked and the fifth is unlocked, which car do you think the criminal will choose to enter.

Another way to reduce your vulnerability is a return to being a "Friendly Neighborhood." Get to know your neighbors and watch out for one another. This is not being nosey, but neighborly. If you see something suspicious do not hesitate to call the police, 911. If something does not seem right to you don't rationalize it away, call 911.

Being a good neighbor is being responsible for one another. You are your own best police force. The Police cannot be successful without your help. Citizens (you) and the Police must work together to reduce the criminal's opportunity to victimize you!

Many of the crimes committed in our community are crimes of opportunity. Reduce your vulnerabilities by increasing the criminal's risk. Remember "An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure".

Explorer Post 66

S.A.L.T. Program

I would like to tell you about what the City of Elmhurst is doing for our Senior Community. It is a simple concept, called TRIAD. The DuPage County TRIAD, and the Elmhurst Seniors and Lawmen Together Council (S.A.L.T.) began with the help of Chief John Millner, Jodi Bellis and William Frese in August of 1995.

But before I get into what the City of Elmhurst is doing, I would like to introduce you to this new concept.

Triad - A Concept in Action

Triad means a three-way commitment among the chief(s) of police in a county, the sheriffs and older or retired leaders. They agree to work together to reduce the victimization of the elderly and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to older persons. A major purpose of a Triad is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and education programs for older community members. Activities center on both pre-victimization (preventative) and post-victimization (victim/witness assistance) aspects.

Triads work to improve the quality of life for seniors. By providing an opportunity for the exchange of information between law enforcement and older persons, Triad can also focus on reducing unwarranted fear of crime.

Triad's Beginnings

Three national organizations agreed that the crime-related needs of the elderly could best be met by a cooperative effort. The Triad relationship was cemented when the three - (American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and the National Sheriff's Association (NSA) - signed a cooperative agreement in 1988.

S.A.L.T. Council

An advisory council, as well as diverse representation from the community, is a key element in any Triad's success. Many Triads call advisory groups S.A.L.T., an acronym for Seniors and Lawmen Together. Potential members should not only be concerned about seniors issues, but also know the community and how to get things done. At least half of the Council should be composed of older persons who represent various segments of the community life and professionals who work with the elderly. These individuals must know the community and its resources. Membership should be drawn from the clergy, the business community, health care professionals, service or membership organizations, local agencies working directly with seniors, aging professionals, and the media.

Benefits of the S.A.L.T./Triad Program

TO THE DEPARTMENT:

• Increases service delivery
• Increases public confidence
• Improves information input
• Improves image to the public
• Brings new skills and expertise

TO THE COMMUNITY:

• Prompts understanding of police functions
• Renews community pride
• Changed attitudes and behaviors
• Identifies new leaders
• Broadens communication networks

TO THE VOLUNTEER:

• Assists in reducing fear of crime
• Uses skills and expertise
• Brings opportunities to suggest improvement in system
• Provides a sense of belonging
• Provides fellowship/friends

Roles and Opportunities for Volunteer Assistance

S.A.L.T./TRIAD in Elmhurst, IL

The S.A.L.T. Council that developed in Elmhurst, is a link between the Elmhurst Police Department, the social service professionals dealing with Elmhurst seniors, and our senior citizen community. The S.A.L.T. Council allows time for networking between committee members and for the discussion of senior concerns. This empowers the committee to bring the information back to their work place and/or homes. In turn, this knowledge helps to reduce unwarranted fear of crime and improves the quality of life for seniors within the Elmhurst Community.

Discussions and Concerns Addressed in our S.A.L.T. Meetings:

• High cost of transportation in Elmhurst for the Senior population
• Home safety inspections & crime prevention seminars
• Pet Day and Elmhurst Police Digest at the York Convalescent Center
• Walk-and-Talks at Nursing Homes
• Networking system for reporting cons and scams operating in area, in addition to, learning how the scams work and what to look for
• Developing intergenerational activities such as a "Girl/Boy Scout Grandparents Seminar" and/or "the celebration of all ages through culture" presentation.
• Home safety/crime prevention seminars
• Pet Day and Elmhurst Police Digest at York Convalescent Center
• Walk-and-Talks at Nursing Homes
• Networking system for reporting cons and scams operating in area, and what precautions to take in case of coming in contact with them
• Developing intergenerational activities such as "Girl/Boy Scout Grandparents Seminar" and "the celebration of all ages through culture" presentation
• Bike Safety
• Safety issues in regards to down power lines and tornado warning systems
• Benefits of a Senior Health Care and Safety Fair
• Solicitation issues
• Information on various anti-theft devices (i.e. The Club, Lojack, Door Jam)
• Free tax preparation centers
• Overnight Parking
• Discounts offered for the Senior Citizen population on cable television
• Benefits of home burglar alarm systems
• What do you do if you are victimized? An inside look at the procedures of filing a police report.