New Deputy Chief of Police Jerel Jones

Deputy Chief Jerel Jones of the Richton Park Police Department exemplifies a wealth of knowledge and experience in 21st Century Law Enforcement operations and leadership. Jones previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Macomb Police Department and the Village of Flossmoor Police Department, making history as the first African American Chief of Police for both organizations and communities. As Police Chief, Jones instilled a culture in each Department that operationalized the NAACP/ILACP Ten Shared Principles. These principles are designed to build trust and stronger relationships between law enforcement and communities, values equally important to the Village of Richton Park. Jones has participated in a host of community-based initiatives, including youth outreach and violence prevention.

Jones began his law enforcement career with the Western Illinois University (WIU) Police Department, where he served for 12 years in patrol, community policing, and the investigations division. He also held a concurrent assignment with the Macomb/McDonough County Task Force, where he served with the Macomb Police Department and McDonough County Sheriff's Office, working several complex investigations. Jones occasionally assisted the city and county agencies with general criminal investigations, in addition to assisting several state and federal law enforcement agencies with major cases as a detective. Following his service with the WIU Police Department, Jones was promoted to Lieutenant with the Bradley University Police Department in Peoria, IL, where he commanded Criminal Investigations, Day Shift Patrol Operations, and Crime Prevention (Community Policing Division). He later served with the McDonough County Sheriff's Office as Operations Lieutenant, where he commanded Patrol Operations, Investigations and Training for patrol deputies and detectives.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and a Master of Arts in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration from Western Illinois University. Jones completed professional studies at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and served as Class President. Jones has served as an Adjunct Instructor for the Western Illinois University- School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration. Jones previously served on the Western Illinois University Anti-Racism Task Force, the Western Illinois University Strategic Planning Committee, and the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Paramedic Program Board. Jones is an Executive Board member for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Diversity Committee member, a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)- Chicago Metropolitan Chapter, South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police, and most recently served on the Board of Fire and Police Commission for the Village of Richton Park.

Jones is an advocate for the advancement of diversity in law enforcement and youth services. Jones and his wife, Brandy, and their two children are Chicago natives and believe in positive change for our modern-day society and local communities. Jones proactively promotes fairness, impartiality, transparency, diversity, equity, and inclusivity; and fosters consistent community engagement to build police and community trust.