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Watts discusses policing, community relationships
Tabi Jozwick, Voice Correspondent
MACOMB Western Illinois University’s Office of Public Safety interim director Derick Watts took the time to answer questions during Monday’s Zoom interview with WIU and Macomb community members.
According to the WIU March 14, 2019 press release, Watts, a lieutenant with OPS, was appointed as interim director after Scott Harris retired on March 15, 2019. Watts took over OPS as interim director on March 16, 2019.
Watts started the interview by saying law enforcement officers adapt to change with laws being updated. One change he mentioned was at the beginning of his career, domestic violence victims were hesitant to press charges against their abusers because of fear. He said the law was later changed so police officers had the right to press charges without the victim making that decision, turning Illinois into a forerunner into that aspect.
MPD Chief Barker announces plans to retire
Story by Downtown Macomb
Subhead: Mayor to appoint Lt. Jerel Jones as new MPD Chief
MACOMB Macomb Police Chief Curt Barker announced today that he will be retiring as Chief of Police effective May 3, 2021.
Barker, a graduate of Western Illinois University and a U.S. Army veteran, has served as a member of the Macomb Police Department for over 27 years, 12 of those years as Chief. “I am proud to have been able to serve the citizens of Macomb as a police officer and as their Chief,” said Chief Barker. “And am proud of the women and men of the Macomb Police Department, as they move into the future,” Barker added.