(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After one century of patrolling parks in McHenry County, 2024 may be the last year of the Crystal Lake Park Police Department.
Citing growing costs and some duplication by other police departments, the Crystal Lake Park District Board has been considering whether to make cuts or disband its 11-person police force.
The Northwest Herald reported that the board hopes to make a decision by February.
At a recent park district board meeting, one of the commissioners said 100 years after the department was started may be the perfect time to ask if it's still necessary.
Illinois law requires the department to equip officers with body cameras in 2024, which is one reason its budget jumped 41%.
The board may discuss cutting hours and coordinating responsibilities with other police departments.
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