Lynnwood police report 22.5% drop in violent crime under new leadership

The Village Board of Lynwood, IL, held a significant meeting on January 14, 2025, where key updates from the police and fire departments highlighted the community's safety and emergency response improvements.

Police Chief Austin reported impressive statistics since the last meeting on December 10, including 3,152 traffic stops, 29 arrests, and the recovery of 10 firearms. The department conducted 830 building checks and responded to 2,143 calls for service. Chief Austin emphasized the importance of community engagement, inviting residents to a "Coffee with a Cop" event on January 24 at Dunkin' Donuts, aimed at fostering relationships between law enforcement and the community.

Underlining the positive impact of local leadership, Chief Austin noted that the police department has become one of the safest in Illinois, thanks to the support from the Village Board. He shared that the implementation of the Decker program has streamlined ticket processing, resulting in a 36% increase in police presence and quicker response times. Notably, violent crime has decreased by 22.5%, and property crime has dropped by 18%, while traffic enforcement has surged by 44.6%.

Fire Chief Austin also provided updates, reporting 184 calls for service, including 133 ambulance calls and various incidents such as vehicle fires and smoke alarm malfunctions. He highlighted that the fire department is now fully staffed and operates two ambulances, a significant shift from previous years when ambulance services were contracted out.

The meeting underscored the Village's commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency services, reflecting a proactive approach to community welfare. As Lynwood continues to prioritize these initiatives, residents can expect ongoing improvements in safety and emergency response capabilities.