The DeKalb Police Department and the NIU Department of Police & Public Safety have developed an officer exchange program.

Over the last year, the two departments have been working on better ways to cooperate.

DeKalb Police Chief Gene Lowery said the efforts began when he reached out to the leadership of the NIU Police shortly after his appointment last year. The NIU Police Department originally lent its resources only to the area surrounding campus, but that effort has expanded.

Lowery said officers from the departments now do ride-alongs, foot patrols, respond to calls and serve warrants together. Sergeants with the NIU police have been sitting in on DeKalb police daily roll-call meetings in which areas of assignment and patterns of criminal activity are discussed. The two departments have also been exchanging information on an executive level.

“The more we all know, the more effective we will be,” Lowery said.

DeKalb Police Cmdr. John Petragallo said the idea is to promote camaraderie between the two departments.

“It’s a benefit not only to the department but to the community and the campus when they see us working closer together,” Petragallo said. “It helps us address the problems a lot better.”

Lowery said the decision to pursue a closer working relationship was made between himself and former NIU Police Chief Donald Grady.

NIU Police Lt. Donald Rodman said that effort has continued under acting chief Darren Mitchell.

“The program has really blossomed in the past three months,” Rodman said.

Lowery said he has been meeting with Mitchell on a weekly basis in order to coordinate resources more effectively. He said the community can expect to see greater interaction and cooperation in the future.

“Our common goal is always our guiding light,” Lowery said. “And that is to improve the quality of life and overall public safety for university and city as a whole.”