Community Service Officer Ameer Khan

Length of time working for the Village of Skokie? 
I began working for the Skokie Police Department in 2015.

What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy being able to go out into the community and meet Skokie residents. Skokie is extremely diverse and getting out into the community and learning about others is one of the biggest perks of this job. 

Why did you choose a career in law enforcement? 
I’ve always been a helper. If I can do something to help someone else, I will do it without hesitation. We encounter people in some of life’s worst moments, and can help them on not only the current problem, but maybe life as a whole. If you can change even one person’s outlook from a negative to a positive, you’ve done your job. 

How does your background help you carry out your job duties and serve the community?
My parents instilled in my siblings and me the importance of treating everyone with respect and to treat them how you want to be treated. I picture my parents on the other end and how I would want someone to speak to them. 

What do you like most about Skokie?
First, the diversity. I grew up in Skokie with friends from different religious backgrounds which taught me that not everyone sees the world through the same lens. Second is its location. There is a lot to do here yet it is easy to go catch a Bulls, Bears or Cubs game. 

What are your favorite Skokie restaurants? 
My favorites are Skokie Bakery & Grill and Jarasa Kabob. What’s been your most interesting experience while on the job in Skokie? Volunteering for and now heading the annual F.O.P. Cops With Kids event each December with Officer Steve Bush. Using donated funds, we reach out to Skokie schools to select kids to go holiday shopping with an officer. Seeing the expressions on the kids’ faces when they meet a police officer, pick out their any toys and also buy for their family members is great. 

What is your proudest accomplishment in your work for the Village of Skokie? 
I received the Chief’s Lifesaving Award in 2019. A school bus crashed into a snowbank because the driver had a medical emergency. Sergeant Riggs and I had to pry the bus doors open to start CPR compressions. Thankfully, the bus driver was okay and no one was hurt.