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Douglas “Doug” Pann

Online Staff Report

Rockford Police Chief Chet Epperson announced Dec. 10 the first commander of the new Geographic Police Pilot District (PPD). Lt. Douglas “Doug” Pann will have the rank of assistant deputy chief and will act as the commander of the first of three geographic policing districts with the job title of commander of the PPD for District II.

Lt. Pann’s change in rank will be effective Tuesday, Dec. 11.

Pann will immediately begin his work with the implementation of the Police Pilot District plan for District II, which will include placement of police personnel, the logistical plans for a new operation and the implementation of the community policing philosophy.

Pann’s work in the development of District II is the first step forward for Rockford police operations, leading the department into the eventual decentralization of the current police structure.

Pann was selected after all department personnel were offered an opportunity to apply for the newly-created position. Several well-qualified members of the Rockford Police Department applied for appointment to the position, of whom five individuals were selected for the final interview after a vigorous assessment process.

While the task of bringing the concept of the PPD to reality may be daunting, Pann is ready for the challenge. He has defined his leadership style as inclusive and participative of both staff and community members. He defines his highest priority in building the PPD team “to encourage, support and enable the members of the new PPD to work to their full potential and abilities.”

Pann added, “I am honored to accept the position of assistant deputy chief and excited about the opportunity to serve as the Pilot Police District commander as we move forward toward decentralization and community-based policing.

The department has been studying and researching the process of police de-centralization along with numerous police department personnel participating in the Police Pilot District Committee. The committee published a special report in June 2011 with specific recommendations that include personnel and operational issues for the Police Pilot District.

“The Police Pilot District and eventual de-centralization of all police operations will bring enhanced efficiencies to our police service delivery and better connect our police-citizen relationships,” Epperson said.

Pann was instrumental in developing the final report on the PPD as well as contributing to the recent strategic plan for the Rockford Police Department.

Pann is a 19-year member of the department, staring his work as a patrolman and serving in all supervisory and command positions — sergeant and lieutenant.

Pann is a graduate of Rock Valley College and Judson University, receiving a master’s in organizational leadership. He has attended several police supervisory and leadership sessions to include the Police Executive Role in the 21st century and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. Pann is an instructor in the criminal justice departments at both Rock Valley College and Judson University.

Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey (I) said of the appointment: “I am very happy with the chief’s selection of Commander Pann and with the department moving forward on our geographic policing strategy. I look forward to finalizing our plans moving forward with the strategy in 2013.”

Both the PPD Report and the RPD Strategic Plan are available on the City of Rockford website at http://rockfordil.gov/police.aspx.

Posted Dec. 10, 2012