Northbrook is experiencing significant changes in its law enforcement landscape. A new chief of police, Marc Fainman, is taking charge as the village works on a revitalized police station. Fainman, with more than two decades of service, will lead the department following former Chief John Ustich’s retirement in July after 30 years.
Fainman was sworn in on August 25 during the village’s Board meeting. He is a graduate of Glenbrook North High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). His education and passion for police work are deeply rooted in his community.
“Like everyone else in the world, [I was] obsessed with the various police and law television shows, but also kind of tailored my education towards it,” Fainman told Pioneer Press.
Fainman’s journey into law enforcement began during his sociology studies, as UIUC did not offer criminology or criminal justice majors at the time. A local internship at the Champaign Police Department played a pivotal role in his career choice.
“A requirement for one of the courses I was in was to do an internship locally…it jumped off the page at me that the Champaign Police Department was offering an internship program and I collected that one right away,” Fainman said. “Every area that I experienced, everything from investigations to patrol, it was abundantly clear to me that everywhere [police officers] went, they were solving problems for people.”
After successfully navigating a competitive hiring process, he secured a position with the Northbrook police team. He expressed his privilege and pride in serving his hometown.
“There’s a lot of good police agencies around here,” Fainman said, “but I feel so privileged to be a part of the Northbrook Police Department.”
Fainman’s focus has been on enhancing the department through initiatives like implementing the body-worn camera program, modernizing officer training, and conducting organizational studies. As chief, he aims to complete projects he initiated as deputy chief, such as the internal program to improve wellness resources for officers and their families. He is also overseeing the construction of the new police station.
Fainman explained, “With the modernization of police work and the different demands of policing, we continue to expand things like our counseling services unit, which is both outward-facing for the residents and inward-facing for the employees.”
Residents can expect the new police station to be completed in three to five years, pending construction schedules. The village has increased its budget for the project, although the total cost remains undefined.
As chief, Fainman is dedicated to helping others and solving problems. He values the community’s feedback and aims to modernize the department to meet current needs.
“I come with a unique perspective of both knowing the community as well as I do, but also being in this business for a while… I hope to be able to utilize those strengths to take us into the future,” he said.
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