City Names Next Police Chief

OAK FOREST, IL – The City of Oak Forest has named Tim Kristin as its chief of police, effective Monday, September 19. Kristin’s appointment was approved by the City Council on September 13.

“Not only is Tim a great police officer, he is a proven leader who is well respected within the department,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa. “He has a true passion for the job and is eager to learn more, do more and achieve more. I know Tim will move the department forward in a positive, productive manner.”

Kristin has spent his entire career with the Oak Forest Police Department – climbing the ranks from patrol officer in 1992 to deputy chief of police in 2013. As deputy chief, Kristin coordinated training and continuing education for officers, supervised the city’s 911 Emergency Communications Center, managed the community programs unit, organized investigative services, and played an instrumental role in helping the department to attain state accreditation. In 2015, Kristin was designated as a certified eligible police chief through the Police Chief Certification Program administered through the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. Kristin is among only a select few Illinois police command staff able to meet the stringent requirements of the program since its inception in 1998.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve my community where I was born and raised,” Kristin said. “I will do my very best day in and day out to serve our residents and ensure our officers have the tools and resources they need to provide quality, effective service.”

Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement administration from Western Illinois University and a master’s of public administration from Governors State University. He has served as a director for the Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team and is a member of the South Suburban Chiefs of Police, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and 100 Club of Illinois.

Sergeant Jason Reid, an 18-year veteran of the department, has been appointed deputy chief.

Photo courtesy of Oak Forest | Incoming Police Chief Tim Kristin