Deputy Chief Phil Contreras

Phil was born in Blue Island St Francis Hospital and raised in the Village of Calumet Park.

October 1980 began his career as a Part-time Police Officer in the Village of Calumet Park Police Department.

Worked in Calumet Park for 2 years before applying for a police officer position in the City of Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

In 1982 completed my basic police training in Colorado Springs. I worked as probationary patrolmen for 6 months before returning to Illinois and Calumet Park Police Department as a part-time Police Officer.

In 1984 applied for Auxiliary police officer position in the City of Blue Island.

In August 1985 I was hired as a full-time police officer for the City of Blue Island Police Department.

I have been appointed to various assignments within the police department over my 24- year career.

Some of those assignments were; Juvenile patrol officer, Gang Crimes Detective, Criminal Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, School Resource Officer, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Community Policing Sergeant.

In July 2003, Mayor Peloquin and Chief Douglas E. Hoglund appointed me to the position of Deputy Chief of Police.

In May 2008, I was re-assigned as the 911-Communications Center Chief Operating Officer.

Instituted new programs and initiatives throughout my career including the following assignments:

• Department’s first formal Gang Crimes Unit.
• Department’s first D.A.R.E. Officer.
• Department’s first G.R.E.A.T. Officer.
• Department’s first Junior High School Resource Officer.
• Department’s first Community Policing Sergeant.
• Cook County Sheriffs Medal of Honor Award recipient.
• Instituted a program to create computer connection within the police department to the city’s local area network.
• Computerized the reporting system.
• Upgraded technology in all divisions of the police department.
• Upgraded the mobile computer system.
• Applied for technology grants to upgrade and add digital video recording devices for the police and 911 departments.
• Coordinated Cook County Project Shield technology to add mobile and stationary video surveillance systems in Blue Island.
• Coordinated the installation security lighting and burglar and fire alarm system for the city owned golf course.
• Coordinated the upgrade project for the City’s 911 Communication Center, including a new 800 MHz radio System, computer enhanced 911 telephone system, and new dispatch console furniture and carpeting.
• Active member of Cook County Interoperable sub-committee for communications.
• Active member of Cook County Urban Area Security Initiative Committee.
• Member of the South Suburban Chiefs of Police Association.
• Past Treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 180, and current Lodge 180 Secretary.
• In 2008 Graduated from of Calumet College of St Joseph, with a Bachelors Degree in, Law Enforcement Management.
• Graduated from the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command.
• Graduated from the Northwestern University Executive Management Program.
• Graduated from the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute. “Police Executive Role in the 21st century”.
• Graduated from U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations Midwest Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar. (MLEEDS)
• Currently attending Governors State University Master Program for Public Administration.

    
I have participated in and coordinated various community activities including the National Night Out against crime, Bike Rally’s for local schools, Police Department Open House Tours, Christmas light parades, Fourth of July Fireworks event, Secretary of State Drivers License ID programs, Senior Citizen Academy, Landlord Management Training, Gang prevention workshops for educators and parents, Kid Cop Picnics, Guns versus Hoses (Police/Fire) events for charity.  I also spend countless hours attending community events, neighborhood / school activities, while acting as a police department official and resident.