Secure Community Network Launches Illinois-Iowa Security Program 

Veteran Law Enforcement Leader Ken Scarlette to Serve as Regional Security Advisor 

The Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization for the Jewish community in North America, is proud to announce the launch of the Illinois-Iowa Security Program. Ken Scarlette, a highly respected veteran law enforcement leader, will serve as the region’s new Regional Security Advisor (RSA). Scarlette joined SCN in June 2025 following a distinguished 27-year career with the Springfield, Illinois Police Department, where he most recently served as Chief of Police. 

In his new role, Scarlette will oversee the safety and security operations for the Jewish Federations of Champaign-Urbana, Peoria, Greater Rockford, Springfield, Greater Des Moines, Quad Cities, and Sioux City. His work will include conducting facility assessments, leading trainings and drills, advising on threat mitigation, and coordinating responses to critical incidents. The area includes more than 11,000 Jewish residents and over 60 Jewish facilities, including synagogues, schools, community centers, and other centers of Jewish life. 

“I’m honored to be part of SCN’s mission and to work hand in hand with communities across the region to build strong, sustainable security programs that protect and foster Jewish life,” said Ken Scarlette, SCN’s Illinois-Iowa RSA. “Having spent my career in policing, I know the importance of proactive communication and collaboration. I look forward to helping communities build resilience through strong local partnerships, including with law enforcement and other communal organizations.” 

“Ken brings decades of operational experience, crisis leadership, and community trust to a region that’s home to vibrant and growing Jewish life,” said Michael Masters, SCN National Director and CEO. “His appointment reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every Jewish community, no matter the size or geography, has access to the tools, training, and personnel it needs to stay safe and thrive.” 

“This initiative represents what’s possible when communities work together with national partners to build a collective infrastructure for Jewish security,” said the Federation leaders participating in the new program. “We’re proud to welcome Ken Scarlette and look forward to deepening the impact of this program across our communities.” 

During his career with the Springfield Police Department, Scarlette held numerous leadership positions. He supervised the Criminal Investigations Division, led the Emergency Response Team, managed a $77 million budget, and oversaw 269 sworn officers. He also served on the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Illinois Homeland Security Advisory Council, and he was a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. A graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, he received the Franklin Kreml Leadership Award. 

The Illinois-Iowa Security Program was made possible through the partnership of the Jewish Federations serving the region, along with local donors, community partners, and national supporters. Funding to launch the program is provided by SCN and Jewish Federations of North America through the $130 million LiveSecure campaign, the largest philanthropic effort ever undertaken to establish a comprehensive, standards-based collective security framework for Jewish communities across North America. 

“In our journey to ensure that every Jewish community has a strong security initiative necessary for flourishing Jewish life, we’re thrilled to see that the Jewish Federations in the Illinois-Iowa Security Program are taking steps to grow their security program. I look forward to working with the community to raise the necessary matching funds as it continues on its journey to secure the Jewish community,” said Jewish Federations of North America LiveSecure Chair Julie Platt. 

The Illinois-Iowa initiative joins a growing network of regional security programs led by SCN and supported by Jewish Federations across the country. Each program follows SCN’s “all threats, all hazards” model and is directly connected to SCN’s national operations, including the Jewish Security Operations Command Center™ and Duty Desk. These programs deliver best-in-class resources, intelligence sharing, and coordinated response capabilities tailored to the specific needs of Jewish communities as well as best-practice security resources and support related to policies, procedures, physical security, facility assessments, training, and incident response. 

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