title
PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RECOMMITMENT TO PUBLIC SAFETY
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County hosts an estimated 62 million visits to the preserves annually; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County strives to be a welcoming oasis for people from all backgrounds and ethnicities to enjoy the District’s natural areas; and
WHEREAS, the June 14 incident at Caldwell Woods does not represent the ethics and values of the Forest Preserve of Cook County and the Forest Preserve Police; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Forest Preserve Police is to devote their time and attention to the enforcement of ordinances, rules and regulations of the Forest Preserve District and the laws of the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, it is the duty of the Forest Preserve Police to develop good public relations, to direct and assist the public in the proper use and enjoyment of the forest preserve, and to perform such other duties pertaining to the welfare of the public; and
WHEREAS, the June 14 incident was directly at odds with the mission of the Forest Preserve of Cook County and Forest Preserve Police; and
WHEREAS, while this was an isolated case, this deplorable incident can be used to help increase cultural diversity awareness, reduce prejudice and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, the Forest Preserves of Cook County has already begun reaching out to partners in the community, seeking advice about how the forest preserves can better serve all communities and be more welcoming hosts to patrons of diverse backgrounds; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Forest Preserve Commissioners, the Forest Preserves of Cook County and the Forest Preserve Police commit to increase training of Forest Preserve Police on diversity awareness, building skills to facilitate positive intergroup interaction, utilize best practices to deescalate potentially dangerous situations and to protect citizens.
end