Chief Dave Anderson

Police Chief David Anderson has more than 30 years of police service. He is a highly respected and recognized law enforcement leader with expertise beyond policing. Chief Anderson is a life-long learner with a passion and understanding for team building and organizational transformation.

Anderson proudly states, “It is humbling to serve the community of Des Plaines with the talented members of the department. Each day, they strive to build relationships and treat the community with dignity, determination, and decency."

About Chief Anderson  

Experience

  • Chief of Police, City of Des Plaines Dec. 2020 – Present

  • Chief of Police, Benedictine University Oct. 2019 – Dec. 2020

  • Chief of Police and Police Officer, Lisle Police Department, 1991-2019

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Organization Development, Benedictine University

  • Master of Science, Organizational Behavior Studies, Benedictine University

  • Bachelor of Science, Business, Criminal Justice Management, Aurora University

 Deputy Chief of Operations (Patrol) Dan Shanahan

 Dan Shanahan headshot

  

Deputy Police Chief Dan Shanahan has over 23 years of law enforcement experience, all with the City of Des Plaines. He started his career in 1998 and has held a variety of positions within the police department, in addition to recently having been promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations.

Deputy Chief Shanahan is proud to be able to work with the men and women of the Des Plaines Police Department, and he feels the Des Plaines Police Department has some of the best trained officers in the country. He and his fellow officers are committed to working for and providing the highest quality service to the citizens of Des Plaines.

 Deputy Chief of Support Services Sean Flanagan
 Sean Flanagan-2  

Deputy Chief Flanagan has been with the City of Des Plaines Police Department since 1997. He has served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor, Canine Handler, Patrol Sergeant, Tactical Sergeant, Patrol Commander, Support Services Commander, and Tactical Response Team Commander.

Deputy Chief Flanagan believes that no matter what emergency a citizen calls 911 for, that the responding officer should be able to handle it.