The Village has been a member of the Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT) since 1998, when it was originally formed. MCAT's original focus was to provide mutual aid to member agencies investigating homicides. Since its creation, MCAT's mission has expanded to include a surveillance team and a serious traffic crash investigation team. MCAT has increased the number of member agencies to 21 north suburban municipalities, as well as the Cook County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police.  The Police Department has found MCAT to be a highly reliable and very effective task force for the handling of high profile crimes.

Due to the expansion of the mission and the membership, it was determined that the membership agreement needed to be updated. Pursuant to the Agreement, each member agency continues to assume responsibility for the actions of its sworn or civilian personnel acting pursuant to the Agreement, both as to liability and as to the payment of benefits.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board approve the attached Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Major Case Assistance Team Agreement.