Police Department - Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit
The Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit remains active in its efforts to disseminate information to the public regarding personal safety and the prevention of crime. 
Presentations and Special Events
Group meetings within the Village of Skokie, including business associations, youth groups and senior organizations, are provided the opportunity to have an Officer speak about crime prevention topics of interest. Some subjects covered include personal safety and general crime prevention, identity theft, bank robbery and gang awareness.
Informational Brochures
The Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit offers a variety of information brochures for Skokie residents including the following:
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School Safety and "Officer Friendly"
Skokie Police Department School Safety Programs are presented to children in pre-school through 8th grade and in to high school. The following topics are covered:
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School Safety programs are administered by the "Officer Friendly," beginning with pre-school. Sessions last up to 30 minutes and are age-appropriate. For example, pre-schoolers learn about 9-1-1 and what to do in case they are lost. In first grade, stranger danger is emphasized. At the high school level, the programs deal with relevant information for students who are in drivers' education programs. State of Illinois laws are reviewed and students are taught to understand that having a drivers license is a privilege.
Project S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness for Everyone)
This student safety program was developed in cooperation with the Skokie Police Department and a committee of staff members of Skokie schools. Project SAFE expands the curriculum from kindergarten through 5th grade and fosters a positive relationship between students and the police. Project SAFE is taught by a Crime Prevention Officer, who focus upon school safety education. Students in all public Skokie elementary schools are taught under a standardized curriculum. Major subjects covered include personal, home, and community safety. Lessons are age-appropriate and different for each grade level. Project SAFE is a tailor-made program, developed for and by Skokie teachers and police. Project SAFE is flexible and can be modified to meet the changing needs of students in the Skokie community.
Neighborhood Watch
This program adheres to simple philosophies; "neighbors watching out for neighbors," and communicating with each other. The program originated in 1982 with small groups of citizens or blocks of neighbors who simply watched out for each others well being. These small groups have grown into today's Neighborhood Watch Program, which includes 165 blocks and more than 3,900 participants. The program continues to grow as more and more citizens continue to communicate and demonstrate concern for their neighbors and neighborhoods. To qualify for the Neighborhood Watch Program, more than 50% of the block residents must wish to participate. Once 50% of the block residents volunteer to participate, an organizational meeting is scheduled to coordinate and explain the program, in addition to selecting a block captain from among the volunteers.
Once established, there are social benefits of the program as well. Not only does a Neighborhood Watch provide raised neighborhood awareness, enhance sense of community and cooperation, and increase person-to-person neighbor interaction, but gives members a sense of belonging and offers the opportunity to contribute to the greater good, a safe and healthy community.
The neighborhood and the community greatly benefit through participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program. The Skokie Police Department asks that any person interested in the program to please contact the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5919.
Security Surveys
Security Surveys cover home safety, house and business alarms, locking systems, lighting and parking issues. An officer will check a number of security factors and also will make recommendations about the interior of the building, such as ways to improve security of doors and windows. If you are interested in scheduling a Security Survey, please contact the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5919.
Community Messaging
The Community Messages section supplements the Neighborhood Watch Program by providing a convenient location for citizens to find available information, from the Police Department, on a village-wide basis or by selected neighborhood areas. Through the links below, citizens and participating Neighborhood Watch Block Captains can also now view important information relative to their own areas or individual blocks. If a crime occurs on or near a Neighborhood Watch block, the Police Department may issue a Community Alert addressing the incident and such alerts can be found here.
Village Wide Skokie Map and Citizen Information 
Nixle is a Community Information Service dedicated to helping you stay connected to the information that matters most to you, depending on your physical location. Information is immediately available over your cell phone by text message, by email, and over the web. Your account can be customized so you receive the information that matters most to you. Whether it is where you live, work, or have friends or family throughout the country, the information is immediately available to you over your mobile phone, email and computer. For information on how to create and or change your account please click here.
Four times a year, the Department publishes a Neighborhood Watch Newsletter. The newsletter generally addresses a seasonal topic, such as "Halloween Safety" in the fall. Click on a link below to download a copy of the latest Neighborhood Watch Newsletter or review an older publication.
Communication between neighbors is the best way to know when something is wrong in the neighborhood and should be reported to the police. Call the police anytime something appears to be out of place in your area.