The Oak Park Police Department will likely add another deputy chief next year, according to a draft of the 2013 budget.
Whoever fills that position will join current Deputy Chief Anthony Ambrose under Police Chief Rick Tanksley, who recommended the full-time position, which will cost the village $94,903. Tanksley said the position was needed because of the heavy workload falling on Ambrose. The structure of the department creates a pyramid with too many people reporting to one person, and Tanksley decided the organization needed two deputy chiefs to manage all of its services. The shortage meant Tanksley needed to get too involved with day-to-day issues, which took him away from future planning.
When Tanksley started with the force 28 years ago, there were two deputy chiefs. About eight years ago, they created a third position. Tanksley said they knew there would be a lot of officers who started in the 1970s retiring at that time, so they wanted to have three deputy chiefs to maintain experience and leadership in the department when the first two retired.
When the first deputy chief retired, the village was experiencing some tough times, Tanksley said, so he eliminated a second position. The number of commanders, who serve under the deputy chief has also shrunk from five to four. Tanksley said that, due to retirements, he has two vacant commander positions, which he hopes to fill before hiring another deputy chief. Currently, sergeants are filling in as commanders.
Tanksley said it’s his job as chief to always look for ways to cut costs while maintaining the same or increased levels of service, which can be tough.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Tanksley said of the application process for his new deputy chief. He added that the competitive selection will probably get started in January or February, and he hopes it includes candidates from inside and outside the department.
“I envision there’s going to be a lot of individuals who will be applying for the deputy chief position,” said Tanksley, adding that the new hire should be someone with a love for the community, “or at least grow to love it.”