Revised 6/11/2021 as noted in bold below.
As announced by the Village of Niles on April 27, 2021, there have been several internal investigations underway within the Niles Police Department. The Village and Police Department are now taking action based on the findings of those investigations. There were cases that were found to involve inappropriate actions by individuals in the Police Department and will be addressed accordingly. Other cases were confirmed as being handled appropriately with no wrongdoing committed and no necessary discipline. In all cases, the Niles Police Department handled its investigations professionally and responsibly, taking the appropriate actions to identify and address any instances of wrongdoing in the Department and prioritizing the law.
Because of pending further action by the Village and potential additional investigations, the Village will not be releasing full details about these cases at this time. Further updates are forthcoming.
The Niles Police Department is pursuing discipline for the following officers in relation to a case involving their response to a crash that occurred on Howard Street on March 21, 2021.
One officer has been referred to the Niles Police and Fire Commission for discipline up to termination for violation of Niles Police Department Lexipol Policies 102.3, 321.3.1, 321.4, 321.5.1(c), 321.5.7(a)(b), 321.5.8(a)(c)(d), 321.5.9(c), 321.5.10(a), 428.5(h)(i), 429.4, and 901.3.
A second officer has been referred to the Niles Police and Fire Commission for discipline up to termination for violation of Niles Police Department Lexipol Policies 102.3, 321.3.1, 321.4, 321.5.1(a)(c), 321.5.7(a)(b), 321.5.9(c)(h)(m), 311.3, and 311.5.
A third officer has been suspended for five days for violation of Niles Police Department Lexipol Policies 321.3.1 and 323.2. [NOTE: The original press release cites policy 321.1.1. The correct policy number is 321.3.1.]
The Niles Police Department does not tolerate its employees violating internal policies and procedures, nor the law. The Village of Niles and the Niles Police Department take seriously the duty to thoroughly investigate these matters and ensure accountability for wrongdoing.
Over the past several months, false assertions have been made in an attempt to discredit the Niles Police Department and to discredit Niles Police Chief Luis Tigera and his administration. Chief Tigera, since assuming of command of the Niles Police Department in June 2017, has conducted himself professionally and continues to perform his duties in an exemplary manner and with integrity. Contrary to earlier media reports, during these investigations, Chief Tigera has remained in his position and was never placed on leave.
Village Administration will provide further updates on the outcomes of the recent investigations when appropriate and when permissible under law. The Village of Niles and the Niles Police Department appreciate the patience of the public during the long and methodical process of investigating these cases thoroughly.
View this Press Release (Revised Version) as a PDF