Police Chief James O'Shea Announces Retirement

Police Chief James O’Shea has announced his retirement from the River Forest Police Department (RFPD), effective April 30, 2025. O’Shea has served the RFPD since 1995 in various roles before being appointed Police Chief in January of 2018. He is only the second internally chosen River Forest Police Chief over the last four decades.

O’Shea’s law enforcement career began in 1991 with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Four years later, he joined the RFPD as a Patrol Officer and went on to serve as a Detective, Detective Unit Supervisor, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Division Commander and Deputy Chief before being named the Chief of Police.

During his impressive tenure, O’Shea has been credited with implementing the first Officer Peer Support Program and Officer Wellness Room. In addition, he introduced systems, and other modern tools so officers would not have to depend on lethal force or hands-on tactics when dealing with violent or aggressive offenders. Other technologies implemented under O’Shea’s leadership include License Plate Readers, a Village-wide Street Camera System, Body Worn Cameras, updated In-Car Mobile Cameras, and a variety of chase mitigation technologies.

“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,” O’Shea said. “Most importantly, I am blessed to have been part of a very talented team of police officers and staff, who serve our residents with honor, respect, compassion, and commitment. I am very proud of our accomplishments and know that the next group of leaders will take it to the next level. Without 30 years of support from my wife, family, friends, and co-workers this career path would have been daunting.”

The Village credits O’Shea’s leadership with increased training and professional development for officers, improving recruitment and retention efforts, and implemented the first Lateral Hiring Program. Over the past few years, he has focused on mentoring Police Department staff to promote internal advancement and succession. 

“I want to thank Chief O’Shea for his dedication to this community and for leading the modernization of our Police Department,” Village President Adduci said. “Public safety is the Village Board’s top priority, and Jim expertly executed this very important assignment. We are a stronger community because of his leadership, and I congratulate him on his retirement!”

O’Shea additionally oversaw vital police station improvements and played a major role in navigating the Village through the global pandemic, civil unrest, national police reform, and industry-wide staffing shortages. He implemented the core pillars of the 21st Century Policing Initiative, as well as started the Village’s quarterly Community Safety Meetings to ensure the Department remains connected with community members.     

O’Shea currently serves as the Executive Chair of the West Suburban Directed Gang Task Force and on the Triton College Law Enforcement Advisory Committee and formerly served as an appointed member of the Village of Westchester Board of Fire and Police Commission. He previously served on the executive boards for the West Suburban Juvenile Officers Association, the West Suburban Detectives Association executive boards, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 46 and was an elected member of the River Forest Police Pension Fund. 

Among the many accolades O’Shea received over his nearly 35-year law enforcement career are the Illinois Bar Association’s Law Enforcement Award and the Partners in Service Award from Thrive Counseling Center.

An Oak Park native and 1985 Fenwick High School graduate, O’Shea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology-Psychology from Illinois State University, and a Master of Science degree in Public Safety Administration. He is a graduate of Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Police Supervision, School of Staff and Command, and Executive Management Programs, plus received the Public Safety Executive Leadership Award in 2023.

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