MPPD's Quest Against Domestic Violence

By Maria Romero, Roosevelt University Student

"It was Christmas Eve and the last thing I wanted to do is split a family apart." Years ago, before becoming Chief of the Mount Prospect Police Department (MPPD), John K. Dahlberg remembers he was one of two officers that reported to a domestic violence disturbance. "We spent several hours at the location, talking to both parties, and finally ended with an arrest," he recalls.

Chief Dahlberg remembers how his superior officer then took the time to get to the bottom of things, and through it all helped maintain the dignity of the victim. Since then, Chief Dahlberg has maintained that same sense of commitment toward domestic violence prevention.

He believes to lead by example, and today he‘s proud to say that MPPD follows in his footsteps. Through training, members of the MPPD have become educated on the latest laws on domestic violence. Department members have the ability to understand the victims and have the knowledge to help them get through the legal process. It is in this manner that MPPD members have helped break through the cycle of domestic violence and have helped keep their community safe.

In past years, domestic violence was often viewed as a personal issue; a matter best worked out, inside the four walls of the household. After taking a step back and assessing the situation, Chief Dahlberg and many others noticed that domestic violence does not only affect the couple, but also it affects the entire community.

Today, Dahlberg says, “Police officers are more empathetic toward the victim and towards their situation and are becoming proactive in the movement against domestic violence. According to Chief Dahlberg, education is essential in ending domestic violence. Each and every officer, has to continuously go through specialized training and to become current on the new laws including domestic violence, and on techniques that are useful in helping out the victim. Officers have to complete training and are administered a competency exam on the department’s critical liability arena of general orders, one of which is the domestic violence general order.

Chief Dahlberg's involvement with the Northwestern Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence helps him be part of a greater project that is raising awareness on domestic violence. With the help of the Alliance and faith groups in the community, Chief Dahlberg and the Mount Prospect Police Department are able to connect to many more people, and spread their message of domestic violence prevention.

Targeting the Mount Prospect youth through education is also another component of the domestic violence prevention. Chief Dahlberg feels the objectification of women in media such as music videos has blurred the line of what is an acceptable way of being treated. It is for that reason that he feels going into the schools and addressing the issue is not only good, but also that it is essential. MPPD members address what is a healthy relationship and what is not, and also advise the students in how to get help if needed.

In August 2009, the Community Connection Center was founded and is located in 1711 W. Algonquin Road in Mount Prospect. Dahlberg said this center was created to provide services to the community of Mount Prospect, a place to seek out help and speak to a social worker. Victoria Bran, the social worker in this location, works with the police force in providing free counseling. And, being bilingual has helped her to be able to reach out to a broader scope of people.

Chief Dahlberg says, "Domestic violence and abuse can come in many forms other than just physical violence." Educating the community is essential in preventing domestic violence. He also emphasizes it is very important for the community to know they should not be scared when seeking help. When responding to a domestic violence call, MPPD officers never question the victim on their legal status in the country. The Mount Prospect police force is here to serve and protect all of its members regardless of ethnicity, age, sex, and legal status. With these views, Chief Dahlberg leads the police force in the fight against domestic violence and in creating a peaceful and safe community.

Roosevelt University Students are learning about domestic violence in their Writing Social Justice course. Photo courtesy of Holly Swanson.