Wilmington names new police chief

The city of Wilmington announced its new police chief this week.

Joe Mitchell accepted the appointment to lead the city’s police department after 27 years working in several police positions in Orland Park, ultimately serving as chief, according to a news release.

In Wilmington, Mitchell’s efforts will focus on community and business engagement, staff development and using state-of-the-art technology and training, the city said.

“Chief Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, as well as a proven track record to Wilmington,” Mayor Ben Dietz said in a statement. “I am looking to Chief Mitchell for providing steadfast and dependable leadership to the men and women of the Wilmington Police Department.”

Dietz added in a Facebook post that Mitchell has lived in Manhattan for more than 20 years, “so he has a special appreciation for small towns.”

In 2021, Orland Park recognized Mitchell for his leadership overseeing its fewest number of reported index crimes in 27 years. Crime decreased in Orland Park in 2021 by more than 9%, compared with the previous year, according to the news release.

Mitchell earned a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University in Romeoville and a master’s degree in public service with distinction from DePaul University. He was the valedictorian of the Chicago Police Academy in 1995 and is a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University.

“Chief Mitchell is an exemplary professional who will bring the knowledge and experience the Wilmington Police Department needs to advance best practices in policing and for the betterment of the city,” City Administrator Jeannine Smith said in a statement.

Mitchell fills the role held by Phillip Arnold, who was hired last year to lead the Shorewood Police Department.