Police Department - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Skokie Police Department follow up with residents and business owners whose homes or businesses have been burglarized?
When a burglary to a residence or business occurs and the Skokie Police Department is contacted, officers are dispatched and make sure that the area is checked for any possible offenders. The first responding officer is responsible for meeting with the complainant / victim. An initial investigation is conducted by that officer. Any and all witnesses, including neighbors, etc., are interviewed for information that could assist in the investigation.
Also, in most cases an Evidence Technician responds to the burglary for a scene examination and processing of any evidence.
After the initial investigation is completed and reported, each burglary case is reviewed by an investigations supervisor for case assignment. Burglary cases are then assigned to detectives who specialize in the investigation of residential and business burglaries.
When a detective receives a burglary case assignment, they review all initial reports including evidence reports and make contact with the victim. Victims are encouraged to meet with the detectives to review all the information that was included the initial report. The detectives then work to develop information through crime patterns, known intelligence and evidence recovered, to successfully solve these cases.
In the event that a burglary victim has not received adequate follow up information, they are encouraged to contact an Investigations Division Supervisor. Sergeant Kevin Baltazar can be reached at (847) 982-5941 and Sergeant Paul Weinman can be reached at 847/982-5942.
How do residents report crime tips or suspicious activity?
Any action that would require immediate police assistance or response should be called in to the police dispatch center, at 9-1-1 for emergencies and at 847/982-5900 for non-emergencies.
Any information regarding suspicious activity or known criminal activity can be reported anonymously, but it is encouraged that when information is provided citizens provide their personal information. The reason for this is that police officers can then follow up with updates on the information provided and also develop lines of open communication with our residents.
To report information regarding narcotics or suspected gang activity, please contact the Tactical Mission Team tip line at 847/418-1679 or Sergeant Robert Libit at 847/982-5959 or via e-mail Robert.libit@skokie.org.
To report all other criminal activity information, please contact Sergeant Kevin Baltazar at 847/982-5941 or via e-mail Kevin.baltazar@skokie.org or Sergeant Paul Weinman at 847/982-5942 or via e-mail paul.weinman@skokie.org
Can residents sign up to ride along with Skokie Police Officers on patrol?
Yes, please contact the Skokie Police Department front desk or the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847/982-5900 to schedule a ride-along. Scheduling is based upon officer availability and Department guidelines.
What is CALEA?
CALEA stands for Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. In 1979, the Commission was created through the combined efforts of four major law enforcement organizations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, National Sheriffs' Association, and Police Executive Research Forum. The Commission was formed to develop a set of law enforcement standards and to establish and administer an accreditation process.
Does the Police Department solicit donations or contributions?
No, neither the Police Department nor the Fire Department solicit donations or contributions. Although many organizations solicit funds on behalf of Police or Fire personnel, the funds do not benefit Skokie Police or Fire Fighters. Do not be coerced into donating funds to any organization. Legitimate organizations will allow you plenty of time to make a decision.
Why does the Police Department charge when they respond to a false alarm at my residence (business)?
Up to 76% of all false alarms are caused by user error. After the Police Department responds to two false alarms in one calendar year, additional false alarm responses will be assessed a charge. Officers responding to false alarms are taken away from other duties. This means they are not available to respond to other incidents.
Is a woman more likely to be a victim of a crime than a man?
That is the common perception. However, many crimes such as robberies are crimes of opportunity. For this reason, both men and women are equally vulnerable.
What special tips are there for going to a shopping mall alone at night?
- If you have concerns, ask store personnel to arrange for a security guard to accompany you. If no security guard is available, always feel free to call police. If you see someone suspicious in the parking lot, proceed to your car or a store nearby and notify police. Always put your packages in the trunk of your car if you are making more than one trip. Dress down. Leave expensive or flashy jewelry at home.
- Take only the cash, credit card or check that you need for your purchases
What if someone is following me in my car?
- Always go to a place where there are people
- Drive to a police or fire station and pull-up directly in front
- If necessary, go to a gas station or a supermarket
What should I do in cases where someone appears to have road rage and it is directed at me?
- Take another route in an attempt to separate yourself from the person. Do not make eye contact. Do not confront the person.
- If you cannot get away from them, go to a police or fire station, or to a place where there are people.
Are there any special safety tips for people who live in apartments?
There are more people and cars in a densely populated area. There are some extra precautions you can take. For example, if someone says they have a package for your neighbor, do not open your door. It is not a good idea to leave your apartment door open even for a short time.
How do get a copy of a police report?
If you qualify to obtain a copy of a police report you may contact the Police Department Records Unit, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in person or by phone at 847/982-5900.
Does the Police Department have a policy against bias-based policing?
The Skokie Police Department prohibits the practice of bias-based policing or any other discriminatory practice by Department personnel.
Bias-based policing is the practice of stopping, detaining, searching, or selecting individuals for any other adverse action involving a person based solely on a common trait of a group. This includes, but is not limited to, traits such as race, color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, economic status, age, cultural group or any other similar traits.
Department personnel periodically receive profiling-related training and related legal issues. Supplemental diversity/inter-personal training also is provided to employees.
An individual may only be detained for safety reasons, to maintain order or based on factors related to a violation or the investigation of a violation of:
- Federal Law
- Illinois Statutes
- Local Ordinances
Allegations of bias-based policing or other discriminatory practices are thoroughly investigated. Within the annual internal affairs summary report, all complaints of bias-based policing or discrimination are enumerated. In addition, the Director of Training conducts an administrative review of agency practices, including citizen concerns, on an annual basis.
How does SPD's Neighborhood Watch program work?
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of citizens working in cooperation with law enforcement, to discourage residential crime. You may have heard it referred to by other names such as Neighborhood Block Watch, Citizen Crime Watch or Home Alert. The names may differ, but the idea is the same:
- Here's how it works:
You and your neighbors are in a unique position to really know what goes on in your neighborhood. A Neighborhood Watch organizes interested individuals from an entire neighborhood (usually identified as a city block) into a powerful, 24-hour a day barrier against crime. Citizens involved become the eyes and the ears of the neighborhood, reporting any odd or suspicious behavior to the police should crimes occur, or better yet, before they occur. For more information, call the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at (847)982-5919. - How many neighborhoods currently participate in NW?
Currently, there are 182 blocks throughout the Village that are organized and participate in the Neighborhood Watch program. - How can a neighborhood benefit from having a Neighborhood Watch initiative?
Neighborhoods participating in a Neighborhood Watch program benefit from having personal contacts with members of the Police Department. Instead of just seeing a police officer drive by, neighbors are afforded the opportunity to speak and discuss issues of concern with police officers. Whether at organizational meetings, or through interactions with the beat officers, neighbors are exposed to today's law enforcement environment in a non-confrontational and friendly setting.
Known in other areas as Community Policing, such personal contacts with officers encourage community participation by having materials and information provided to neighborhoods in a more direct manner. Problems experienced by one neighborhood may not be the same from one area of town to the next. Through the Neighborhood Watch program, officers can tailor crime prevention techniques or individualize advice to combat particular problems being experienced on their block.
Quarterly newsletters are available to Neighborhood Watch members. Newsletters offer the latest information on crime trends, effective crime prevention techniques and other news of interest to members of the Neighborhood Watch family.
Another benefit available to Neighborhood Watch participants are various educational presentations from the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit. Crime Prevention/Community Relations Officers are well-versed in offering presentations on different aspects and concerns of personal, residential, and business security. Tips and best practices to prevent becoming a victim are highlighted during these presentations.
Also available to Neighborhood Watch participants, as well as all residents, are Security Surveys to assess your residence and have expert police officers make recommendations to better secure your home and make it less of a target for criminals. Minimizing the opportunity for a criminal to make you a victim is paramount in the Village's efforts to reduce crime in the community. Members of the Crime Prevention/Community Relations conduct the Security Surveys and can be contacted at (847)982-5919 to set up an appointment.
Additionally, clearly identifiable street signs indicating participation in the Neighborhood Watch program are provided. These signs indicate the block is organized and that suspicious activity is reported to the police. This is the best way to help us identify suspects and otherwise prevent crime. Such warning signs have shown to be effective in deterring some criminal elements from identified Neighborhood Watch areas.
Neighbors being watchful and concerned about the activities occurring on their block, then immediately notifying the Skokie Police about suspicious activity helps us identify suspects and otherwise prevent crime. - Relative to size and scope, how are neighborhoods defined for Neighborhood Watch?
Typically, neighborhoods are defined as a traditional city block. However, condo and apartment buildings are also organized. - How can residents start Neighborhood Watch initiatives in their neighborhoods?
Simply contact the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit of the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5919 to get a Neighborhood Watch group started. All it takes is to talk to your neighbors and arrange a date, time and place for your first meeting. One of the Crime Prevention/Community Relations Officers will be on hand to present the program, discuss the Neighborhood Watch concept, discuss effective crime prevention techniques and explain what it takes to make the group highly effective. - What are the responsibilities of residents who participate in Neighborhood Watch?
Block Captains are selected by Neighborhood Watch participants and are the immediate contacts between the Police Department and the Neighborhood Watch block members. Block Captains advocate and promote the idea of "Neighbors looking out for other neighbors." Block Captains are typically responsible for organizing block activities, such as meetings and presentations, distributing information and representing the block at yearly meetings with the Skokie Police Department.
Additionally, members of the Neighborhood Watch are responsible for reading and reviewing information distributed to them, keeping a watchful eye on their neighbor's property, as well as their own property, and identify suspicious activity when it occurs. Members are to immediately report such suspicious or criminal activity to the Skokie Police Department.
Remember to immediately call 9-1-1 when suspicious or criminal activity is observed. Waiting to report such behavior will only allow a potential criminal to escape.