West Cook News

Police Chief James O'Shea has announced his retirement from the River Forest Police Department (RFPD), effective April 30, 2025. Chief O'Shea's career in law enforcement began in 1991 with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He joined RFPD in 1995 and served in various capacities before being appointed as Police Chief in January 2018. Notably, he is only the second internally chosen Police Chief for River Forest over the past four decades.

During his tenure, O'Shea implemented several initiatives including the Officer Peer Support Program and Officer Wellness Room. His leadership saw the introduction of technologies like License Plate Readers, a Village-wide Street Camera System, Body Worn Cameras, updated In-Car Mobile Cameras, and chase mitigation technologies to reduce reliance on lethal force or physical tactics when handling violent offenders.

O'Shea expressed gratitude towards those who supported him during his time at RFPD: "I could not have succeeded without the input, support, and partnership of Village President Cathy Adduci and the Village Board, Village Administrator Matt Walsh, and all River Forest stakeholders," he said. He also praised his team: "I am blessed to have been part of a very talented team of police officers and staff."

The Village acknowledges O'Shea’s contributions to increased training and professional development for officers while enhancing recruitment efforts through initiatives like the Lateral Hiring Program. Over recent years, he emphasized mentoring department staff for internal advancement.

Village President Cathy Adduci lauded O’Shea's service: “I want to thank Chief O’Shea for his dedication to this community and for leading the modernization of our Police Department,” she said.

Throughout his career, O'Shea played key roles beyond local policing duties. He currently serves as Executive Chair of the West Suburban Directed Gang Task Force and is involved with Triton College Law Enforcement Advisory Committee among other appointments.

O’Shea’s accomplishments have earned him accolades such as the Illinois Bar Association’s Law Enforcement Award and Partners in Service Award from Thrive Counseling Center.

An Oak Park native educated at Fenwick High School with further studies at Illinois State University and Northwestern University Center for Public Safety; O’Shea holds both Bachelor’s degree in Sociology-Psychology and Master’s degree in Public Safety Administration.

For more information contact Village Administrator Matt Walsh at (708) 714-3563 or Police Chief James O’Shea at (708) 714-3540.