A: 911 was previously associated with emergencies only. Not anymore! If you need a police officer, the fire department or paramedics for any reason, simply dial 911. Thank you!
A: Call 911 immediately.
Be observant and make mental notes, including asking yourself:
• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Are there any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard or scars?
• Can you give any clothing description?
• How many people are involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle, what direction are they going?
A: All calls for police officers are handled on a priority basis. Calls requiring a police officer to make a report on a previous crime will have less precedence than crimes in progress where life and property are in serious danger. Due to high call loads during certain times of the week and day, you might be slightly inconvenienced until a police officer becomes available to take your call.
A. The Police Department has no control over power utilities. During power outages, our dispatchers are very busy. Calling them to ask when your power will be restored may delay an emergency response. Please call 1-800-EDISON-1 (800-334-7661).
A: Forest Park curfew hours: Eleven o’clock (11:00) P.M. on any Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, inclusive, until six o’clock (6:00) A.M. of the following day; and one minute after twelve o’clock midnight (12:01) A.M. until six o’clock (6:00) A.M. on any Saturday or Sunday.
A: Applicants must pass a written exam, medical exam, psychological exam, physical ability exam, medical screening, background and character investigation. On the day you are hired, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 21 years old, possess 60 college credit hours from an accredited college, have a valid driver’s license without restrictions and not have been convicted of a felony.
A: You can call the Police Department’s non-emergency telephone number at 708-366-2425 and ask to speak to the Sgt. Andrea Caines for information and an application.
A: There are several ways you can report someone missing depending upon the circumstances. For example, if you become separated from a child in a crowd, you can notify a police officer or call 911. In non-emergency situations, you can call 911 or come to the Police Department at 517 Desplaines Avenue. It is always helpful if you can provide a recent picture of the missing person and a description of what the individual was wearing when last seen.
A: The Forest Park Police Department provides fingerprinting services free of charge to Forest Park Residents only; you must provide your own fingerprint card. We do not provide fingerprint service for immigration purposes.
A: Yes. The Forest Park Police Department provides both physical and visual checks. You must come to the Police Department located at 517 Desplaines Avenue to complete a request form.
A: The Forest Park Police Department NEVER solicits money over the phone. If you get a call claiming to raise money for the Forest Park Police Department, report the call to the Forest Park Police Department at 708-366-2425. All calls will be kept confidential.
A: Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible.
Respond to the red and blue lights, and signal your intentions. The safest thing to do is to pull as far to the right as possible – using turn indicators to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer does not pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Drive slowly on the right until you find a suitable and safe place to stop. Drive defensively. Choose a safe location to pull off the road where you will not impede the normal flow of traffic. The officer will understand if you drive slowly looking for a suitable location.
Be aware that the violation may have occurred 1 or 2 miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the communications operator. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop.
Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death.
Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced or simply do not like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible.
If it is a case of mistaken identity, you will be on your way as soon as it is cleared up. If it is a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver’s license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement is not necessary.
If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If you comply with the rationale behind an officer’s actions by following these steps, a traffic stop can be a pleasant experience.
