Village Police Explain Weekend Response, Cite Privacy In Non-Criminal Incident

WINNETKA, IL — Village police said a large law enforcement presence last weekend was tied to a non-criminal incident and was not a threat to the community.

On March 22, Winnetka police shared limited information about large police presence in the 200 block of Chestnut. Police Chief Brian O'Connell said the information was shared in case residents were alarmed by the number of officers in the area.

“Last weekend, there was a non-criminal incident that occurred in the Village, which required a large police presence,” O'Connell said. “We communicated about our presence in the area to assure residents that the incident in question was non-criminal, to reduce the concern that a large number of law enforcement personnel could create in the community.”

Police linked the concern to recent crime reports in nearby communities. O'Connell acknowledged that residents may be experiencing anxiety due to recent home invasion incidents in Winnetka and nearby jurisdictions and have concerns about the safety of the community.

The department did not release specific details about the weekend event. Police said they are sometimes called to incidents “that are of a sensitive nature which are not criminally-related.”

“During situations like these, where there is no threat to the community, we ask for your understanding that we will honor people’s right to privacy and not share details,” O'Connell said.

Police also said the department is trying to balance public reassurance with privacy concerns.

O'Connell's message included a reminder about when residents should contact emergency dispatchers. Residents are encouraged to always call 911 in an emergency, if they need an immediate response from public safety, or to report a concern like suspicious activity in the area.

The department also asked residents not to call 911 simply to seek updates about a visible police response.