5 Critical Updates On The Macomb IL Police Department: New Leadership, Major Crime Investigations, And Cutting-Edge Tech
The Macomb Police Department (MPD) is currently navigating a significant period of transition and high-profile activity as of December 22, 2025. The department, which serves the City of Macomb and the Western Illinois University community, has been at the forefront of major crime investigations throughout the year, simultaneously implementing new technology and undergoing a change in its top leadership. These efforts underscore the MPD's unwavering commitment to professional and responsive police services for all residents and visitors.
The commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by the MPD’s long-standing accreditation from the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP), a distinction held since 2012. This dedication to state-of-the-art policing and community engagement is central to understanding the department's current operational focus, from deploying new smart cameras to fostering stronger community ties through initiatives like the Citizen's Police Academy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most critical and recent updates surrounding the Macomb Police Department.
Macomb Police Department Leadership and Key Personnel Profile
The Macomb Police Department has recently seen a pivotal shift in its command structure with the retirement of a long-serving Chief and the subsequent appointment of an Interim Chief. The department is staffed by dedicated men and women, including its patrol officers, detectives, and command staff, who are responsible for public safety across the community.
- Former Chief of Police: Jeff Hamer
- Service: Over 24 years with the Macomb Police Department.
- Chief Tenure: Appointed Chief on July 28, 2023, following a four-month stint as Interim Chief.
- Education: Graduate of Western Illinois University.
- Retirement: Announced his retirement in mid-October 2025 to pursue a new opportunity in the private sector, leaving the department after more than two decades of service.
- Interim Chief of Police: Todd Tedrow
- Current Role: Appointed Interim Chief of Police following Chief Hamer's retirement.
- Service: Has been with the Macomb Police Department since 2009.
- Previous Role: Served as Lieutenant and is a key member of the command staff.
- Future: His time as Interim Chief will help determine his application for the permanent Chief position.
- Operations Commander: Troy Shoudel
- Role: Serves as the Operations Commander, overseeing critical police functions.
- Accreditation: The MPD has been accredited by the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) since 2012, highlighting its adherence to best practices in policing.
Major Crime Investigations and Public Safety Incidents in 2025
The year 2025 has presented the Macomb Police Department with several high-stakes situations, demonstrating the critical and often dangerous nature of law enforcement work in the region. The MPD has handled these incidents with professionalism, working closely with other agencies in McDonough County and the state.
The North Randolph Street Homicide Investigation
One of the most significant and tragic events of the year was the homicide investigation that began on July 27, 2025.
- Incident Details: On the evening of July 27th, the Macomb Police Department was alerted to a possible homicide in the 600 block of North Randolph Street.
- Victim: The victim was identified as 21-year-old Bryson Saddoris, a Macomb resident.
- Arrests and Charges: Following a thorough investigation, the MPD, along with other law enforcement partners, arrested two men: 37-year-old Sean Hayes and 24-year-old Morgan Bearce, both of Macomb.
- Legal Action: Both Hayes and Bearce were charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Saddoris, with prosecutors detailing the grisly nature of the killing, which was reportedly linked to issues involving meth and money. The swift action and subsequent arrests provided a measure of closure to the Macomb community following this violent crime.
Officer-Involved Shooting and Barricaded Subject Standoff
In another critical incident, the MPD faced a dangerous standoff where officers were injured while performing their duties.
- Event: Two Macomb police officers were shot and wounded while executing a search warrant at a residence.
- Standoff: The suspect barricaded himself inside the home, leading to an hours-long standoff that required a significant police presence and tactical response.
- Resolution: The standoff eventually concluded, and the suspect was taken into custody several hours after the initial shooting, bringing a tense situation to a safe resolution for the wider public. Updates on the officers' conditions were closely monitored by the Macomb community, who rallied to support their local law enforcement.
Modern Policing: Technology and Community Initiatives
The Macomb Police Department is proactively embracing modern law enforcement strategies, focusing on both technological upgrades and robust community engagement programs. These initiatives are designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance transparency, and build trust with the citizens they serve.
Deployment of New Smart Camera Technology
In an effort to boost crime-fighting capabilities and enhance public safety, the Macomb Police Department has invested in new surveillance technology.
- New Cameras: The department installed seven new high-tech "smart cameras" across strategic locations in the city.
- Purpose: This technology is intended to provide real-time intelligence and evidence, helping officers respond more effectively to incidents and investigate crimes more efficiently.
- Existing Technology: In addition to the new smart cameras, the MPD has long utilized body-worn cameras (BWCs). The use and release of BWC video are strictly guided by the Illinois Body Camera Act and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), ensuring accountability and transparency in police-public interactions.
Commitment to Community Outreach and Engagement
The MPD maintains a strong focus on community-oriented policing, recognizing that public trust is essential to effective law enforcement. This is achieved through several key programs:
- Citizen's Police Academy: The department hosts its Citizen's Police Academy every fall. This 10-week program meets weekly and provides participants with an in-depth look at police operations, exposing them to various aspects of law enforcement work and fostering a better understanding between the police and the public.
- Community Conversations: The MPD actively partners with local organizations, such as the NAACP, to host community conversations. For instance, a notable event was held in September 2025 to discuss public safety and police relations, emphasizing dialogue and collaboration.
- The 30x30 Initiative: The Macomb Police Department is an active participant in the Department of Justice's "30x30 Initiative." This national movement aims to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. The MPD is close to fulfilling its goals for this initiative, demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion within its ranks.
Future Outlook and Public Contact Information
The Macomb Police Department continues its mission to provide professional and responsive service while adapting to the evolving challenges of modern policing. With Interim Chief Todd Tedrow at the helm, the department is poised to continue its work in major investigations, community safety, and technological advancement. The search for a permanent Chief of Police will be a major focus for the City of Macomb in the coming months, shaping the future direction of the department.
Residents and visitors can connect with the Macomb Police Department and the McDonough County Sheriff's Office for various services and information. The MPD encourages citizens to utilize non-emergency channels for general inquiries and to always use 911 for emergencies.
Macomb Police Department Contact Details
- Non-Emergency Phone: (309) 833-4505
- Mailing Address: McDonough County Sheriff's Office, 110 S. McArthur St., Macomb, IL 61455 (Note: This is the Sheriff's Office address, often used for Macomb Area contact)
- General Inquiries/Services: Residents can inquire about services such as the Citizen Complaint and Procedure process or FOIA requests directly through the department's public channels.
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