Matthew Shilney

Work meticulously processing numerous crime scenes including, but not limited to, burglary, robbery, traffic accidents, drug possessions, domestic batteries, retail thefts, shots fired, death investigations, sexual assaults, criminal damage to property, suicide, vehicular hijacking, and home invasion. All of which involve in in-depth understanding and individual nuance for each scene. I have extracted, identified and quantified toxicology evidence and packaged and sealed all evidence properly to maintain integrity. This duty requires me to be extremely precise and involves a high level of concentration and attention to detail. While processing these scenes, I have recovered fingerprints and DNA evidence that has led directly to suspects and arrests for high profile crimes committed in Oak Lawn. In one such incident in March 2022, I recovered a fingerprint located on a Reese's candy wrapper that led directly to a juvenile suspect in a home invasion. In a second example in January 2023, I located a fingerprint on a victim's cell phone leading to a carjacking suspect.

Tasked with training and guiding new officers prior to them being cleared to work on their own. My duties include, but are not limited to: ensuring new officers maintain safety at all times, ensuring new officers are proficient in all tasks in the OLPD training manual, making sure the officers have knowledge of state law and OLPD policy, and evaluating them in all of the above categories. I also provide new officers details about the intricacies of day to day policing. Those details include engaging in self-initiated activity, how to be proactive and effective when dealing with citizens and criminals alike, and how to be an overall productive member of the OLPD.

Took the OLPD bicycles through parks, parades, block parties, and other community events. Was a face for the department and maintained positive community interactions through regular conversations with citizens of Oak Lawn. Also participated in National Night Out for several years where I spent time speaking with and engaging with citizens of Oak Lawn.

Remain calm and level headed in rapidly evolving high stress situations. Situations include crashes with fleeing stolen vehicles and armed subjects armed fleeing with handguns.

Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.

Investigated reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.

Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.

Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.