Palos Park Police increase towing fees to match neighboring communities

The Village Council Meeting for Palos Park, Illinois, held on April 14, 2025, covered several key topics, including police activity, proposed ordinance amendments, and community safety initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a report from the Palos Park Police Department detailing activity from March 31 to April 13. During this period, the department received 1,901 calls for service, assisted citizens 19 times, and filed 17 case reports. Notably, there were four accident reports, two adult arrests, and 87 traffic stops, which resulted in 22 moving violations and 57 speeding tickets.

Following the police report, the council discussed an ordinance amendment concerning administrative towing fees. The proposed increase from $300 to $500 aims to align with fees charged by neighboring communities. The council noted that this fee covers the costs associated with the towing process, and the registered vehicle owner would still be responsible for any additional towing or storage charges. The ordinance was moved for approval and received unanimous support from the council members present.

In addition to the ordinance discussion, the police department announced its participation in Distracted Driving Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of road safety. The department will conduct special enforcement operations throughout April to monitor red light violations and promote safe driving practices.

The meeting also recognized the Palos Park Police Department for achieving gold-level recognition in the 2024 Lexapol Connect Customer Recognition Program, which honors police agencies for excellence in policy management and training.

Community engagement was highlighted with the announcement of an upcoming "Coffee with a Cop" event, scheduled for Wednesday at 11 AM. This informal gathering aims to foster communication between residents and police officers.

Lastly, the meeting addressed emerging concerns regarding potential scams involving student loans, particularly those linked to online universities. Residents were encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police department for assistance.

The meeting concluded with a transition to the accounts and finances report, as Commissioner Reed was absent due to a family commitment. Director Brethren was tasked with addressing the financial matters in Reed's stead.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community safety, effective law enforcement, and proactive engagement with residents.