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Police

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1. Where can I find general information about the Elgin Police Department?

For information about services provided by the Elgin Police Department visit the City of Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 or visit their website.

Police Administration call (847) 289-2500.

For non-emergencies call (847) 289-2700.

For emergencies dial 9-1-1.
Elgin Police Department Website

2. What happens with an abandoned vehicle?

Vehicles that are considered abandoned, including all vehicles in public sight that are inoperable for any reason, can be reported to the Elgin Police Department to be towed. When a car is reported, the Traffic Investigations Unit will make every effort to locate the owner and alert them that their vehicle has been tagged as an abandon vehicle and could be towed if not moved. Owners who are found to be at fault for an abandoned vehicle may lose their driving privileges or vehicle registration. For more information or to report an abandoned vehicle, visit the Elgin Police Department at 151 Douglas Ave, or call them at their non-emergency number 847-289-2700. Parking & Traffic Help

3. What is Elgin's bicycle registration policy?

All bicycles that are operated within Elgin are required by city ordinance to be registered with the Elgin Police Department. Registration is free. Registration helps police officers track your bicycle should it be lost, stolen or recovered. To view more information about bike registration, click on the link provided. Bicycle Registration

4. What do I do if I suspect there is a child abuse situation?

Child abuse is mistreatment that causes physical, mental, emotional, or sexual anguish to the child. Abuse can come in many forms that are not easy to detect on first observation, and it most often comes at the hands of a parent, guardian, other family member or other trusted family friend. The City of Elgin Police Department is here to help child abuse victims by providing protection service in conjunction with the Department of Children and Family Services and limited counseling services. If you or someone you know is the victim of child abuse, you can anonymously call the DCFS child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-2873. For more information about child abuse assistance, contact the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Ave. 24 hours a day - seven days a week. The phone number to call is 847- 289-2700. Social Services

5. What is the Citizen's Police Academy?

The Citizen’s Police Academy is a community program designed to enhance and promote citizen understanding and awareness of the Elgin Police Department and its role in the community. The 24 hour course includes an introduction to the police facility and equipment, the criminal justice system, crime scene investigations, police weapons training, the use of force continuum, traffic stops, drug and DUI enforcement, the surveillance team, investigation, and ride-alongs with a police officer. Citizens who have attended the program in the past say that participation in the program has given them a greater understanding and appreciation of the difficulty a police officer encounters in his daily tasks. This unique program does not induct citizens into the police force; rather, the objective of the course is to provide citizens with a general knowledge of the Elgin Police function. Participants must be at least 18 years old and cannot have a criminal history. Citizens meeting this criteria can register to participate in the program which is held twice annually during the spring and fall. For more information, or to register for the Citizen’s Police Academy, contact the Elgin Police Department Community Relations Division at 151 Douglas Avenue, between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or call them at 847-289-2530. Citizen's Police Academy

6. What Community Relations/Crime Prevention programs are there?

The Elgin Police Departments Community Relation/Crime Prevention Division is available to the general public to provide assistance with past, on-going and future concerning within the Greater Elgin Community. The division offers program on personal safety, scams, burglary prevention, home security checks, child safety and fingerprinting, C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team Training), police Explorers and many other programs. For more information on programs available feel free to give us a call at 847-289-2530.

Get involved!

7. What is the Crime-Free Housing Unit?

The officers in the Crime-Free Housing Unit strive to serve the rental housing community by reducing crime and improving the quality of life. Through a variety of innovative programs, combining both a proactive and reactive approach that focuses on communication, education, and investigation, the unit addresses the needs of the community. This can only be achieved by partnering with the entire rental housing community; the property owners, managers, tenants and neighbors of rental properties. Through this partnership, these goals can successfully be achieved. To learn more about this program please call 847-289-2514. Crime-Free Housing Unit

8. How can Crime Prevention help a business?

Crime Prevention assistance for businesses and residences is available in the city of Elgin. The services are provided through the police department's Crime Prevention/Community Relations Division. Brochures that offer several crime prevention tips, ranging from burglary prevention to Neighborhood Watch to identity theft are available at no charge. An Elgin Police Officer/Specialist can conduct a security survey of your business or home to assist in making your location less of a desirable target to the criminal element. The Crime Prevention Officers/Specialist are also available to make various presentations to groups at no charge. To receive the brochures, coordinate a presentation by an Elgin Police Officer or Crime Prevention Specialist speaker, or to schedule a security survey, call the Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division at 847-289-2530. Crime Prevention

9. What does Elgin do about curfew violations?

To insure the safety of Elgin citizens, especially minors, the Elgin Police Department enforces curfew regulations for children under the age of 17. These regulations make it unlawful for children to loiter, idle, or play unsupervised in parks, playgrounds, vacant lots, or other public places and buildings between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, it is unlawful for children to loiter, idle, or play unsupervised on public highways, throughways, or other right-of-ways, whether on foot or by vehicle, at any time. This law does not apply to a minor accompanied by his or her parent, guardian, or other adult responsible for child care and custody, or in situations where the minor is upon an emergency errand or legitimate business directed by the parent, guardian or adult supervisor. Violation of this ordinance will result in a written "Notice to Appear" to the parents and subsequent violations will result in enforcement of the ordinance, including fines for the child’s parents if they knowingly permit the minor to violate this regulation. For more information about the curfew regulation, or to report a suspected violation of the law, contact the Juvenile Investigative Unit at 847-289-2627. Juvenile Division

10. How can I get information about domestic violence?

The Elgin Police Department treats domestic violence with the same consideration as violence in other enforcement contexts. Officers combine the use of appropriate community services with enforcement of the law. Patrol officers are trained to handle problems and conflicts between family members or acquaintances. There are two Domestic Violence Case Managers available to assist victims. They are responsible for contacting all clients of domestic violence for assistance with referral information, short term counseling, informational needs and education regarding domestic violence. The Elgin police departments domestic violence case managers can be reached Monday through Friday at (847) 289-2644. At any time, the police department can be reached at (847) 289- 2700. The department works in cooperation with the Community Crisis Center, the local domestic violence shelter. The Crisis Center can be reached 24 hours a day at (847) 697-2380. Social Services

11. What is the city's door-to-door solicitor policy?

Elgin's ordinance prohibits what is commonly known as "door-to-door" solicitations without a permit provided by city staff. Vendors without a permit are prohibited from soliciting invitations or from going upon premises without an invitation for the purpose of soliciting orders. The ordinance does not apply to non-commercial activities. Non-commercial activities mean activities which are political, religious or charitable in nature. The ordinance applies to streets and public buildings, as well as private residences and is enforced on a complaint-basis. Should a person or business be door to door soliciting without a permit, they are subject to fines and/or arrest. If a violation is deemed to have occurred, a summons may be issued to the violating person and/or business. A police officer does not need to be present at the time the alleged violation occurs; however, a complainant's testimony will be required if the matter is prosecuted in Elgin City Court. If a solicitor appears fraudulent or harassing, contact the Elgin Police Department to report the complaint either in person or by calling 847-289-2700.
Download an application for a solicitor or handbill permit
Ordinance Information

12. How do I file a drug or gang activity complaint?

If the situation is an emergency call 9-1-1 immediately. If the situation is not urgent but more informational in nature, you may contact the drug unit at 847-289-2972, the gang unit at 847-289-2646, or you may file your complaint online using this link: File a drug or gang complaint

13. Does Elgin charge for false alarm responses?

Elgin police officers are frequently dispatched to false burglar alarm activations. Too many false burglar alarm calls create problems for the department and the alarm user. False burglar alarms interfere with a police officer’s ability to respond to an actual emergency. These types of calls are costly to the city and the alarm user. Your burglar alarm system will appear unreliable if you have too many false burglar alarms. To decrease the number of false burglar alarm activations, the city of Elgin created a False Alarm Reduction Program, which is governed by city ordinance. Alarm users will incur fines for too many false burglar alarms, which are billed by the Elgin Police Department. Each year, every alarm user is allowed four (4) free false burglar alarms. A fine in the amount of one hundred ($100.00) dollars will be imposed on false alarms 5-8. The 9-10th false alarm incurs a fine of two hundred ($200.00) dollars. More than 10 false alarm activations in a calendar year incur a fine in the amount of three hundred ($300.00) dollars. If you do not believe you had a chargeable false burglar alarm, you may contact the Alarm Administrator at (847) 289-2749 or you may send your written correspondence to the Elgin Police Department, Attention Alarm Administrator, 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120. False Alarm Program Information

14. What are some home safety tips?

Burglary is a serious crime to which we are all vulnerable. It is however one of the most preventable of crimes. A few simple precautions will greatly reduce the possibility that you will become a victim of this crime. Follow these guidelines to help prevent crime in your home: Make your home look occupied at all times. Leave interior lights on when you go out for the night and utilize exterior lighting or motion sensitive outdoor lighting. Lock your outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Do not allow daily deliveries, such as mail and newspaper, to accumulate. If you are gone, have a neighbor pick up these items for you and arrange to have your lawn cut in the summer and walks cleared in the winter. You should maintain a detailed description and the serial numbers of all appliances, tools, radios, televisions, firearms, and other valuables you own. The police department’s website has a link to LeadsOnline, where this information can be stored in a secure environment for future use. Whenever possible, inscribe or label your valuables with your driver’s license number. The Elgin Police Department offers programs that provide crime prevention techniques you may implement to help protect you and your home. Police officers can also conduct a security survey of your home to make sure it is safe. For more information about home safety programs, contact the Elgin Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at 847-289-2530.

Community Relations / Crime Prevention

15. What can I do about illegally parked vehicles?

Owners of vehicles that are considered to be parked illegally, anywhere public or private, in the city of Elgin are subject to fines and penalties. Vehicles parked in fire lanes, intersections, unauthorized parking spots, over sidewalks or other illegal locations will be ticketed. If the vehicle is not moved, or is considered hazardous, it may be towed at the owners expense. For more information, or to report an illegally parked vehicle, contact the Elgin Police Department's non-emergency phone number 847-289-2700. Parking & Traffic Help

16. How do I report a missing person?

If you suspect that someone you know is either missing or has run away, you can file a missing persons report with the Elgin Police Department anytime following the person's disappearance. When you make your report, the police officer or dispatcher will ask for your name, address, and phone number for informational purposes; however, you may choose to remain anonymous. Any information you provide will be kept strictly confidential. An officer will gather pertinent facts about the missing person, such as where and when they were last seen and who they were with. It is always helpful if you can provide a physical description, facial features, the clothing they were last seen wearing before they disappeared, and the ages of the people involved. If a vehicle is involved, a description will be very helpful, including the color, make, model, year, and license plate. Any detail you can remember will greatly assist the police in locating the person or apprehending anyone connected with the disappearance. After you file your report, be as patient as possible while the department investigates the case. Be assured that officers will make every effort to quickly and comprehensively follow up on each situation. For more information, or to file a missing persons report, contact the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 or call 847-289-2700

17. What happens if I receive a moving violation?

The police department issues tickets for moving violations within the city of Elgin. Tickets will indicate the amount of the fine and are payable within ten days of the court date. Most moving violations are payable without a court appearance and you may choose to pay the fine prior to your hearing date. Note that payment of the fine is an admittance of guilt in the offense and cannot be appealed. Fines are payable to the Clerk of Kane County, located at 540 S. Randall Road, St Charles, Il. 60174, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by mail to the address printed on the summons. If the charge on your summons is not pre-payable or if you wish to contest the charge, you must appear in court for an arraignment at the time and place specified on the summons. Failure to appear in court will result in issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest. For more information about moving violations in the City of Elgin, contact the City of Elgin Traffic Investigations main offices, located at 151 Douglas Ave in Elgin between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call them at 847-289-2660.

18. What is the Neighborhood Watch program?

One of the best ways to prevent crime in residential neighborhoods is to organize a Neighborhood Watch Program. Several neighborhoods in Elgin have organized Neighborhood Watch groups. These neighborhoods continuously enjoy the safety and protection that comes with the program. Neighborhood Watch groups are not difficult to organize. You can pick up information packets from the department’s Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division during regular business hours. Share this information with your neighbors. Once you have a commitment from a manageable number of homes, contact the Community Relations Division to schedule a start-up meeting. The officer will attend and provide instructions and guidance on how to make your group effective. Neighborhood Watch participants’ duties include exchanging information with each other, reporting criminal or suspicious activity to the police and participating in passive neighborhood patrol. We emphasize that Neighborhood Watch participants should never attempt to arrest an offender, but should call the police department. To learn more about Neighborhood Watch call 847-289-2530.

Neighborhood Watch Information

19. What happens with reported noise violations?

The city of Elgin has adopted a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive and annoying sounds. The ordinance varies to include loud music from a motor vehicle, unnecessary noise from a vehicle, amplified noise, power equipment sounds and dogs barking. To receive a brochure that summarizes the ordinance, contact the EPD Community Relations/Crime Prevention Division at 847-289-2530. If you would like to view the ordinance in its entirety, visit www.cityofelgin.org, City Clerk and click into Ordinances. Events or actions may be prohibited if they cause a noise disturbance. Violations are enforced by the department and can result in court appearances and fines. To report a suspected violation, call 847-289-2700. Ordinance Information

20. How do I obtain a police record or report?

The Records Division maintains all records and official reports created and by law makes those reports accessible to the public. Criminal reports, traffic accident reports, missing person reports, police records and warrants can all be acquired by stopping by in person at the Elgin Police Department. To obtain copies of reports involving criminal acts we require a "Freedom of Information Act" (FOIA) form to be completed. Please be advised that it takes seven (7) working days for the FOIA to be fulfilled. You must present a picture ID, such as a valid driver’s license, military ID, or passport and complete a request for information form. For traffic accident report, there is a nominal processing fee of $5.00 for each request. For more information on how you may call 847-289-2575 or visit the police department’s webpage.

Obtaining Reports

21. Does the city monitor overweight vehicles?

The Elgin Police Department requires all vehicles traveling on city streets have a permit and obey posted and standard restrictions regarding vehicle weight. Motor vehicles may not carry more than 80,000 pounds on any street within Elgin. They can carry even less on bridges or other areas where a lower weight limit is posted. The city enforces these regulations through portable weigh stations and other checkpoints that may require all commercial vehicles to stop and be tested. Failure to obey the posted weight limit or stop at a checkpoint may result in heavy fines and penalties. There are also restrictions on length and width of trucks able to access city roads. For more information about overweight vehicles, or to report a vehicle that you believe is operating illegally, contact the police department at 847-289-2661 between 7:30 A.M and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. You may also email elgin311@cityofelgin.org. Need an overweight permit? Please visit the Oxcart Permit website to obtain a permit. All permits will be reviewed by the Elgin Police Department traffic unit.

22. What information is available about parking violations?

The police department issues parking citations within the city of Elgin. Tickets will be marked with the amount of the fine and are payable within 21 days of violation. Parking citations are payable without a court appearance; however, payment of the fine is an admittance of guilt to the offense. The fine schedule is as follows, all violations are $20 fines, except for snow routes, which have a fine of $50. Handicapped Violations have a $100 fine. Payments can be made in the following ways: online via the city's website, dropped off in the ticket box in front of City Hall, mailed to the address on the citation, or paid in person at the cashier desk at City Hall, located at 150 Dexter Ct, Elgin, Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any questions can directed to the Finance Department at 847-931-5916. Parking & Traffic Help

23. What personal safety tips do you offer?

Self protection means knowing how to avoid being the victim of an attack or robbery by keeping alert for the unexpected and not taking unnecessary chances. It also includes knowing what to do if you are a victim and acting with common sense and cooperating with authorities. The Elgin Police Department has programs in place to help protect yourself from crime. Programs include precautions to take at home, precautions to take while walking or driving a car, sexual assault and robbery prevention, and various other topics of concern. Programs are intended to help you evaluate a crime risk and provide you with skills and information to help reduce the possibility of crime occurring and what to do if you do become a victim. For more information about personal safety programs contact the Crime Prevention Division at (847) 289-2530. Community Relations / Crime Prevention

24. What are police chaplains for?

The police chaplains program was established to provide citizens and police employees with an on-call chaplain who is available 24 hours a day for counseling, consultation, crisis intervention, and other related services. This volunteer program consists of twelve chaplains of varying denominations who serve indefinite terms. Examples of the chaplain's duties include assisting department members and their families, notifying relatives of a citizen's death, assisting with catastrophic events, and giving invocations at various official ceremonies. The program is coordinated by a primary chaplain who is selected by the chief of police. His or her duties include the recruitment and orientation of other chaplains and the scheduling of meetings and training for the other chaplains. For more information, or to express interest in becoming a police chaplain, contact 847-289-2578.

25. What information should be provided in a police emergency?

In the event you need the emergency services of the Elgin police or fire department and you live within the city of Elgin, call 911. If you live outside of the city limits, call 847-289-2700. When you dial 911 for emergency assistance, the dispatcher will answer the phone and ask you questions about the emergency. They are: your name, the address of the emergency, the telephone number you are calling from, a brief description of the emergency such as "an intruder is in my house," or "there is an accident at the intersection of ADDRESS and ADDRESS." Emergency dispatchers agree that remaining calm is the most important thing you can do to help them help you. The telecommunicator will, many times, continue to question you after the appropriate police, fire, EMS units are dispatched. In emergency medical situations, the telecommunicators are trained to provide you with emergency medical information which may be used prior to paramedics arrivial. The questioning does not slow down the emergency response. The telecommunicators ask these questions to help them accurately evaluate your specific situation, ensuring the correct type of equipment and number of personnel are assigned. Any information which may affect officers or firefighter safety is also broadcasted to the responding units. For additional information about Emergency Communications, please stop by the Elgin Police Department located at 151 Douglas Ave, Elgin, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday -Friday or you may call 847-289-2770.

Communications Division

26. How may I schedule a police department tour?

The police department is located in the heart of Downtown Elgin. Groups of citizens, students, scouts of all sorts and other organizations can request a tour of the facility. Tour groups learn about the responsibilities of the station, its personnel and the assigned equipment through this walk-through exhibition. The tour can include observations of the Emergency Communications Division, the Holding Facility, and an interactive viewing of a police squad car. Tours are limited to no more than 40 people and the tour information can be tailored to your group's needs and/or ages. Contact Community Relations at 847-289-2530 to schedule your tour. Schedule a Tour

27. How can I schedule a ride-along?

The Elgin Police Department offers a ride along program in which citizens may ride with a uniformed police officer during regular duty shifts. This program is a great way for citizens to witness firsthand how their law enforcement officials help to keep the community safe. Citizens may ride along twice each year. They may ride for up to four hours each time between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. You may fill out a ride along application at the Elgin Police Department Crime Prevention Division, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please bring a photo ID with you. For more information about this, or other crime prevention programs, please call (847) 289-2530 or visit the police website for more information. Schedule a Ride-Along

28. Do I need my vehicle's title and registration?

Whether you have just purchased a vehicle or have just moved to Elgin from outside of the state or area, you are required by law to have your vehicle titled to you and registered in the state of Illinois and in the city of Elgin. To complete the state title and registration process, you must go to the nearest branch of the Secretary of State immediately after purchasing your vehicle or within 30 days of moving to this state, or 10 days of moving into this area, to fill out the appropriate paperwork and order your Illinois license plates. Costs for these services vary and can be described in full at the Secretary of State offices. The nearest Secretary of State office is located at 595 South State Street in Elgin and their phone number is 847-697-2100.

29. Does the department offer vacation house watch services?

The police department offers the a Vacation House Watch Program to Elgin residences. Elgin residents may contact the Community Relations Division prior to a vacation or business trip and request that a patrol car make periodic checks of their home while they are away. Simply give the department your name, address and vacation dates. Be sure to mention what lights you will leave on in the house, what lights you will have set on timers, who to contact in the event something happens while you’re away and what security devices you have to protect your home. Officers, when possible, will make periodic checks of your home. For more information, contact the Community Relation Division of the Elgin Police Department at 847-289-2530.

Community Relations / Crime Prevention

30. Do you offer victim services?

The police department provides victim services designed to protect victims of crime or abuse who have just cause to feel threatened or in danger in their homes. These services are available from the time that the crime has been committed through the court proceedings regarding the case. While these services are available for anyone who has been the victim of a crime, they are targeted toward women, children, and other victims who are more likely to be in danger by reporting a crime or testifying against a defendant. Victim services include a women's safehouse where women can stay without fear for personal safety, most often after cases of domestic violence and abuse. Witness assistance programs are also available to victims, allowing them to be safe from harm before and after court testimonies, and even providing identification changes when necessary. Other available services include free counseling and medical services, police supervision, assistance gaining restraining orders, and information regarding the availability of restitution for crimes committed. If your home is unsafe due to domestic violence or you are the victim or witness of a crime, contact 9-1-1 if it is an emergency, and 847-289-2686 to learn more about victim services. Social Services

31. Does Elgin have a women's safehouse?

The Elgin Community Crisis Center operates near the downtown area, a women's safehouse designed to assist battered victims who need temporary housing due to an unsafe home situation, the threat of domestic violence, physical protection, or women and children who are homeless for a variety of reasons. The Crisis Center is run by staff and volunteers who are trained to help women heal the psychological and physical scars of abuse or violence. Counseling services are available. For more information, or to arrange a stay at the Crisis Center, please call 847-697-2380. The Center is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Social Services