Downers Grove Deputy Police Chief Named New Chief in Crystal Lake

Downers Grove Deputy Police Chief James R. Black has been named the new head of the Crystal Lake Police Department, city officials announced Friday.

Black will begin his new position Jan. 7, 2013. He will replace Chief David R. Linder, who announced his plan to retire this past summer after 32 years of service with the City of Crystal Lake Police Department.

Crystal Lake City Manger Gary J. Mayerhofer said in a release that Black brings a wealth of experience to the position, including a a strong law enforcement management background and a dedication to professional staff development and training.

“Chief Linder has been a dedicated professional and will be missed,” Mayerhofer said in the release. “I believe that the police department is in a much better organizational position since he became chief. I am confident that Chief Black will continue to make certain that the police department provides the highest level of professional service to the community, ensuring that Crystal Lake continues to be a great place to live."

Black has been with the Downers Grove Police Department for the past 25 years, serving in the role of police officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, operations lieutenant, and for the past six years as deputy chief.

He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, according to the release. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal/social justice from Lewis University.

In his role as deputy chief, Black has collaborated with other local law enforcement agencies in DuPage County, having recently served as the coordinator of the multi-jurisdictional Felony Investigations Assistance Team (F.I.A.T) that is comprised of a major crimes unit, S.W.A.T. team, a computer forensics unit, a canine unit, and an accident reconstruction unit. 

Black is also well versed in the requirements of an accredited department and he has substantial experience with financial administration and strategic planning, Mayerhofer said.

The city of Crystal Lake launched a national recruitment effort for Linder's replacement this summer after he announced his plans to retire. Black's application was one of 77 received from across the country, Mayerhofer said.

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