DeKALB – After a lapse of more than a decade, Northern Illinois University police again are part of the county’s major case squad.

NIU Acting Police Chief Darren Mitchell and leaders from the county’s other major forces recently ratified the necessary paperwork in what Mitchell hopes will be a major step toward increased collaboration. NIU police members will train and plan for major investigations alongside their counterparts from area departments; they’ll also respond when any of the member agencies need help.

“It only helps to bring us closer to other law enforcement in the county,” Mitchell said. “It’s a clear signal of the cooperation that we’ll be engaged in.”