Casstevens issues statement on George Floyd death

Police Chief Casstevens

Buffalo Grove Police Chief, Steve Casstevens, issued a statement regarding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. In addition to his role as Buffalo Grove Police Chief, Casstevens is president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The statement was released by the Buffalo Grove Police Department:

To the citizens of Buffalo Grove, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and address your concerns regarding the recent week’s events surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

First and foremost, my thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the entire Floyd family. Mr. Floyd died at the hands of a law enforcement officer who was sworn to protect. My officers have all viewed the video and every single one of them is outraged and disgusted with the disregard for life and dignity that played out on that Minneapolis street.

Let me be clear: we condemn this act. I have stated numerous times over the past week to countless media outlets, “If there’s any officer who isn’t disgusted by this video, they should turn in their badge.”

In regard to the men and women of the Buffalo Grove Police Department, I can assure you personally and professionally that this department holds all lives as sacred. Every officer on this police department has signed the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor promulgated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which reads:

• On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust.

• I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions.

• I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community and the agency I serve.

In 2018, every officer signed a document of the Ten Shared Principles between Illinois law enforcement and the Illinois NAACP. This document, along with a signed Oath of Office, is framed and on display in our hallway. The document discusses the basic principles of dignity, fairness, respect, and the tenets of procedural justice and police legitimacy.

            Officers of the Buffalo Grove Police Department are professional and receive annual training on use of force. Kneeling on a person’s neck is never, and has never been, an appropriate use of force tactic. In fact, as our profession has progressed over the years, our officers have trained even more vigorously on the process of de- escalation in conjunction with the training that addresses use of force.

This means our goal is to approach, listen, understand, and work to diffuse a situation so that use of force is rarely necessary. We are here to serve and protect, but I pledge to you that we will always perform that duty with dignity, respect, tolerance, and fairness.

My command staff and I welcome any inquiry into our policies and procedures. We hire the best. We train the best. We promote the best. We are committed to transparency in pattern and practice of our profession and, again, I offer you my personal assurance that the kind of assault on life, liberty, and dignity that occurred in Minneapolis is not part of the fabric of this community.

From the Police Reports

Reports are public record that report police activity. They do not indicate guilt of any individual.

Single-car crash leads to five charges – A Rolling Meadows man was charged with driving under the influence, driving under the influence in excess of a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and damaging village property, after a single-car crash on Raupp Boulevard. The man, Gary Newin, told police he was lost and made a wrong turn. According to police reports he also told officers he had been drinking for six hours, which likely contributed to a BAC of .238. The legal BAC limit in Illinois is .08.

            He is scheduled to appear in Lake County court in July 8.

Suspicious purchase probed – An order for 1,500 USB flash drives with a value of $11,425 is being investigated by Buffalo Grove Police after they were alerted to the potential fraud by a local business. Multiple addresses for invoicing, shipping and communications were used. The business owner told police that they are not out of any money and is working with the business’ bank. And if you’re wondering, that would be a little more than $7.61 per drive.

Reference checks needed? – A Buffalo Grove woman uploaded her resume on CareerBuilders.com and received a job offer at an alleged healthcare firm. But it does not appear to be a dream job. Instead, she was instructed to download an app and interact with a representative from the firm. She was also instructed to submit a copy of her driver’s license, a current utility board and her phone number and she would hear about her application in 72 hours.

            She did hear from the alleged firm and was told she would receive a package, which she did.  In it were among other things, a check for $2,500. Police reports indicate that the woman was instructed to purchase office supplies, including a laptop computer. The woman told police she did not feel “comfortable” receiving the check and making the purchases. Police suggested she contact the fraud department at Career Builder.

Big bang not a hare-raising issue – Police were summoned to an apartment building in the 900 block of south Buffalo Grove to investigate a suspicious noise. Police reports note that the woman who called said the noise apparently came from the apartment next to hers and she knew the resident was not at home. Police received permission to enter the apartment but did not find the source of the noise. Police reports do note, however, that officers found “…two bunny rabbits in the back bedroom.” The report noted that the bunnies “appeared to be fine but were moving around.” Which is sorely needed good news.

 Community News

 Village Board set to amend gubernatorial order

            The Village Board will have a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 1 (tonight) during which it is expected it will amend Gov. JB Pritzker’s executive shelter inside order which was issued March 20. That order was originally set to run through April 30, but on April 23 it was extended until the end of May.

            On Thursday, May 28, Pritzker lifted restrictions allowing businesses, including restaurants, limited operation.

            Village Board President Beverly Sussman had previously issued executive orders that concurred with those issued by Pritzker’s.

            Tonight’s action, if passed, will allow restaurants to serve food and alcohol in outdoor seating areas.

            The order does not remove any of the requirements for face coverings.

            Access to the Board meeting is available at this link or by calling (312) 626 6799 and using webinar ID:810 0290 9550

 

Village Hall expands services

Services have been expanded at the Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raup Blvd.. An outside walk-up window at the main entrance is now available so residents can conduct business that could not otherwise be provided online or over the phone.

The village will also offer special hours for vulnerable residents and senior citizens from 9:30 until 11a.m. inside Village Hall. All other services will be by appointment only by calling (847) 459-2500.

 

Overnight parking enforcement resumes

Buffalo Grove Police will resume enforcement of overnight parking restrictions beginning June 1. In accordance with ordinance BG-11-1308, restrictions apply to all Buffalo Grove Village streets between 2:00 and 6:00 a.m.

Signs alerting residents to the restrictions are located throughout the Village on streets leading into residential areas.

Residents who need to park a vehicle on the street during these overnight hours should visit frontlinepss.com/buffalogrove to submit their request.

Details pertaining to this ordinance can be located at vbg.org/overnightparkingcode

 

Indian Trails Library resumes limited service

            Although the building remains closed, the Indian Trails Library has resumed drive-up service. The Library’s drive-up window is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for items that have been on hold. Patrons will need to show their library card and must wear a mask or face covering to receive materials.

            The Library is looking to expand services and hours the week of June 8.

            The Library is also putting returned materials in quarantine for seven days. Additional information is available at indiantrails.org or by phone at (847) 459-4100.

 

Restrictions eased on the links

As the state moves into Phase 3 or “Restore Illinois,” restrictions at Buffalo Grove’s two golf courses have been reduced

 Groups will now be able to have up to four players, and tee-times will be spaced at a minimum of 10 minutes apart. Only one person will be permitted per golf cart, with the exception of allowing two people per cart if they are from the same household.

The use of driving ranges, practice ranges and chipping greens will be permitted at 50-percent capacity. Pro shops will be open with safety guidelines in place, and halfway houses will be available for carryout services only. For additional information, click here.

 

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