NILES — The Niles Police Department saw a surge in calls for service in 2024, but police Chief Jay Holland assured the community that crime remains under control, thanks to a fully staffed department and strategic use of technology advances such as Flock cameras.

In discussing the department’s 2024 annual report, Holland detailed key statistics, staffing levels and the impact of technological advancements, particularly the growing use of Flock license plate reader cameras in the city.

“We’re fortunate to be fully staffed in a time when many departments are struggling to find officers,” Holland said. “That allows us to maintain a minimum patrol level of four officers on duty at all times, ensuring we can respond effectively to multiple incidents simultaneously.”

The department documented 17,435 calls for service in 2024, a 629-call increase from the previous year. Holland attributed this rise to increased retail activity post-pandemic and proactive policing by the department’s Street Crimes Unit. Holland said that stores with actively engaged loss prevention teams, like Boscov’s in the Eastwood Mall, have helped boost an increase in theft calls.

Traffic stops also saw a significant uptick, with 2,231 conducted in 2024. Despite national trends of police staffing shortages, the Niles Police Department has remained fully staffed, a point Holland emphasized as a key factor in maintaining public safety.

The department hired Niles resident Nicole Cole as its new records clerk following the retirement of longtime employee Maria Orr.

“We’ve been able to attract experienced officers from other departments while also successfully training new recruits,” Holland said. “This stability, combined with community support, has been critical to our success.”

Holland highlighted the Flock license plate reader cameras as a pivotal tool in enhancing public safety and solving crimes. The city’s network of nearly 30 cameras helped locate 40 stolen vehicles and five missing persons in 2024.

“Flock has been the biggest technological advancement for law enforcement since the introduction of computers in patrol cars,” Holland said. “It allows us to quickly identify and track suspect vehicles, leading to faster resolutions of cases that might otherwise go unsolved.”

The system is integrated with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), providing real-time alerts to officers when a stolen vehicle or wanted suspect passes a camera. Holland noted that an additional 360-degree camera, known as the Condor, will be added in 2025, enhancing surveillance capabilities at key intersections.

For those with concerns about abuse with the Flock camera system, Holland said the service has accountability measures, requiring officers to log the reason for any search conducted and maintaining an oversight system that tracks all camera queries to prevent misuse.

The city investigated two homicides in 2024, both of which were cleared by arrest.

One case involved a domestic stabbing that was ruled self-defense by a grand jury, while the other was a fatal shooting involving a juvenile suspect.

Holland also pointed to a notable increase in sexually based crimes, with the department handling several cases related to internet crimes against children (ICAC). He praised the partnership with ICAC, which provides tips and preliminary investigations that lead to local arrests.

On the drug front, the department saw a rise in methamphetamine and prescription drug-related offenses. The Street Crimes Unit, which conducted 943 traffic stops and executed two search warrants in 2024, seized 236 units of various drugs, including methamphetamine, heroin, and counterfeit prescription pills.

“We’re seeing a shift from traditional drug houses to more mobile operations,” Holland explained. “Dealers are increasingly using apps to set up transactions in parking lots, which presents new challenges for law enforcement.”

Holland credited the department’s success to strong community support and a positive work environment that has helped retain officers. The department plans to continue its outreach efforts through school resource officers, who conduct presentations on topics ranging from drug awareness to internet safety.

Looking ahead, Holland expressed optimism about maintaining public safety despite the rising call volume. “With our current staffing levels, technological tools, and community partnerships, we’re well-positioned to handle whatever 2025 brings,” he said.

By the numbers

Niles police department 2024 annual report

• Total calls for service: 17,435

• Homicides: 2 (both cleared by arrest)

• Traffic stops: 2,231

• Traffic citations: 628

• Drug complaints investigated: 62

• Search warrants executed: 2

• Units of drugs seized: 236

• Firearms seized: 6

• Overdoses: 36

SOURCE: Niles Police Department