Introducing Police Chief Woody

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Daily Republican
“I am leaving the city in strong, capable hands to lead this department forward,” said outgoing Chief Jan Noble. “Chief Woody will have the full support of Belvidere’s aldermen and mayor and the full support of the city’s police department.”

Editor

With the retirement of Police Chief Jan Noble from his long time position leading the Belvidere Police Department, the City Council has confirmed the appointment of Deputy Police Chief Shane Woody as the new head of the department.

“I think for our department there has been an emphasis on people driving under the influence – drunk drivers, gang enforcement, and narcotics violations are always emphasized in our patrol division,” Chief Woody said. “My belief is that it is imperative to maintain balance between enforcement and community policing.

“We have done some very progressive things with community policing that we are very proud of. We will continue to expand and improve upon that, maintaining good relationships with the community.

“I recognize that the success we have is because we do have good relationships with the Belvidere community. I have seen other agencies that struggle because they do not have that relationship.

“I have been on the Belvidere Police Dept. for 20 years. I have hit most of the rungs of the ladder. I started in patrol, have worked as a field-training officer, as a gang unit officer, and a SWAT Team member. I have a very good foundation for most aspects of the Belvidere Police Department.

“I was assigned to investigations and worked general cases and specialized cases for 10 years. I got promoted to sergeant and was in charge of a patrol unit, SWAT, and the field-training program. I was reassigned as a detective sergeant until I was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations in 2015.

“I have been responsible for coordinating all aspects of patrol and investigations, worked with Chief Noble on budget, manpower, and internal affairs. Police officers are human, too, and sometimes we make mistakes. It is something we need to keep in mind as we deal with any issues.

“A Belvidere Police Officer needs to be professional. Professionalism is very important and it is something that I take seriously, not only for myself, but for all the officers in the department as well.

“The newest things in the department are Tasers and new vests. We are hoping that the Tasers will fill in the gap we have in the use of force. It is another tool we can use before using deadly force. The BPD needs to be flexible and evolve with society.

“Ultimately, we work for the community and the best interests of the community. We need to know what the community expects of us.

“Chief Noble has been a good mentor. He has done a good job of helping me to transfer to the next step of my career. Even though there is still a steep learning curve ahead of me, I am well prepared for what is to come.

“We [BPD] take it personally when someone comes to our community to commit crimes. We are proactive in

For complete article, pick up the March 4 Belvidere Daily Republican.