Downers Grove Expected to Name New Deputy Police Chief in 2-3 Weeks

The Downers Grove Police Department is expected to name a replacement in the coming weeks for Deputy Chief James R. Black, who was named the new head of the Crystal Lake Police Department on Friday.

Downers Grove Police Chief Robert Porter said in an email Tuesday that the department has already started an internal process to replace Black, who will officially move to Crystal Lake on Jan. 7, 2013.

"We have some very qualified individuals who are capable of serving in this role," Porter said. "I would anticipate a new deputy chief being named within the next two to three weeks."

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, according to village officials.

He will replace Crystal Lake Police Chief David R. Linder, who announced his plan to retire this past summer after 32 years of service the the city.

"We are very happy for Jim and his family," Porter said of Black's new position. "Deputy Chief Black has been a very dedicated and hard-working employee for the village for 25 years. I have no doubt that he will make an excellent chief of police for the Crystal Lake Police Department."

Crystal Lake City Manger Gary J. Mayerhofer said in a release Friday 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 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. 

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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