Awake Illinois announced it has appointed retired Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel as its law enforcement fellow, a role tied to the organization’s Awake & Armed podcast and broader platform.
According to Awake Illinois, a grassroots advocacy organization operating in Illinois, Weitzel spent 37 years in law enforcement, including 13 years as chief. In his new role, he is expected to provide analysis on issues such as the SAFE-T Act, crime trends, officer support, and sanctuary policies. An announcement posted on X said that the fellowship includes regular commentary on the Awake & Armed podcast and op-eds published on the Awake Illinois blog.
Illinois continues to report elevated violent crime rates in some urban areas, including Chicago. The Riverside Police Department serves a Cook County community near Chicago, focusing on local law enforcement priorities. According to Illinois State Police data, the state records thousands of violent index crimes each year. Reports also note challenges related to officer retention and enforcement of sanctuary-related policies.
Nationally, law enforcement agencies have expressed ongoing concerns related to recruitment and retention amid policy changes affecting officer support and public safety initiatives. Data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting program show fluctuations in violent crime rates nationwide, with some jurisdictions reporting increases. Analyses published by the Heritage Foundation link certain bail reform and sanctuary policies to changes in deterrence and recidivism rates.
Awake Illinois functions as a nonprofit social welfare organization headquartered in Naperville, Illinois. It is dedicated to advocacy on education, parental rights, civic engagement, and related issues. The group maintains an active presence through its website, blog, podcast, and chapter structure to connect concerned citizens and professionals. It promotes transparency, accountability, and common-sense policies to protect families and support law enforcement.
