THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007
DP Cop To Head State Crime Unit
By TODD WESSELL
Journal & Topics Newspapers Editor
A 30 year veteran of the Des Plaines Police Dept., who retired last week, began a new job Monday as head of a state-wide investigative agency.
Kevin O'Connell, one of three Des Plaines Police Dept. commanders, started his new job Monday as chief of investigations of the Illinois Attorney General's office. In that role, O'Connell will work on a variety investigations for the state office ranging from making sure sex offenders are properly registered to working with local police departments cracking illegal "meth labs".
A Des Plaines resident, O'Connell's final day on the job with the local department was last Thursday, June 7. He has climbed the department ladder in the last three decades. His last position was as commander of the Administrative Division that deals with building maintenance, fleet management and crime prevention programs. Police Chief Jim Prandini said O'Connell was in that position for the last four months. Before his promotion, he was a sergeant.
"His legacy in the police department was his involvement in the Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT)," said Prandini. He served in the role as director of the unit that works with as many as 19 other police departments when a major case, such as a homicide, occurs, in the Northwest suburban area. O'Connell's job was to lead the team of top police investigators and forensic technicians.,
Named by Prandini to replace O'Connell as police commander is Nick Treantafeles, previously a patrol commander. Sgt. Bill Prim replaces Treantafeles as patrol commander.
"I'll be based out of the Thompson Center in Chicago," said O'Connell. "I really had a tough time leaving Des Plaines. It was not an easy choice. I talked it over with the chief who is a good friend. I decided that this is the right way to go now. It's a new task and challenge. It's not everywhere where you can walk in as chief of police."