HAWTHORN WOODS – The Village of Hawthorn Woods was recently recognized by Movoto Blog as one of the 10 safest cities in the state of Illinois. Hawthorn Woods ranked eighth with an impressive crime index of 97. Of the cities named, Hawthorn Woods was the only city around the Chicago-land area. “Hawthorn Woods is proud to be recognized as one of the state’s most desired places to live,” stated Pamela Newton, Chief Operating Officer for Hawthorn Woods. Other safest cities are Griggsville, Browning, Pittsfield, Pleasant Hill, Hutsonville, Bethalto, Orion, Tower Hill, and Murrayville.
The Hawthorn Woods Police Department, which consists of 10 sworn officers and one civilian employee, commit themselves each day to the safety of the residents, business owners, property owners, and visitors to the community. The department is guided by their mission statement which states, “The officers of the Hawthorn Woods Police Department are committed to excellence in providing effective, high-quality service to the community in a professional and courteous manner. They work in partnership with the community to improve the quality of life for everyone. The officers protect everyone's rights and property and treat each person encountered with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Mayor Joseph Mancino and the Village Board of Trustees acknowledged the efforts of the Hawthorn Woods Police Department at their Village Board meeting on Tuesday, February 18. Several officers, along with Police Chief Jennifer Paulus, attended the Board meeting where the Police Department was recognized for their collective achievement. At this same meeting, Police Officer Sarah Canada was recognized for her achievement in leading the department in Driving Under the Influence Arrests for 2013. The Hawthorn Woods Police Department’s commitment to safety and excellence is evident by this recognition as one of Illinois’ safest cities.
