DeKALB | The DeKalb City Council is considering a resident officer program in select neighborhoods around DeKalb.

If the program was implemented, the city would purchase a house in one of DeKalb’s two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, said Police Chief Bill Feithen. An officer would live in the house and be a liaison between the neighborhood and social services.

“The officer would live in the house either rent-free or with a nominal rent,” Feithen said. “They would also be responsible for maintenance and utilities.”

Feithen said the officer would be responsible for a specific geographic area and would be referred or informed of cases that occur in the area. The officer would also be responsible for managing the neighborhood watch.

“Hopefully their presence and relationship with neighbors will help lower crime in the area,” Feithen said.

The city would have several options when looking for housing for the officer and their family, including purchasing foreclosed homes or homes in need of repair, Feithen said.

“One possibility is to purchase a multiple unit building and convert it back to single family,” Feithen said.

Feithen said the idea was presented at the DeKalb City Council meeting on April 26.

Mayor Kris Povlsen said the council has not yet made the decision to move forward, and the Safe and Quality Housing Task Force is looking into the program.

Povlsen said he does not have enough data at this time to determine if a resident officer program is a worthwhile investment.

“On the surface, it looks like a good idea,” Povlsen said. “But more analysis is needed.”

David Jacobson, 1st Ward Alderman, said he is waiting on more information before fully supporting the program.

“I think the idea of the program is great,” Jacobson said. “I am interested in hearing all the details before I fully get behind it.”

Feithen said the police department will discuss the idea with the Safe and Quality Housing Task Force and look into it deeper.

Two police departments in Elgin and Oak Park have similar programs and have found them to be very successful, Feithen said.