Palos Park police report calls for service and thank an anonymous $10,000 donor; issue public scam warning

The Palos Park Police Department delivered its activity report for the period Dec. 29–Jan. 11, saying officers handled 2,288 calls for service, 19 citizen assists, 16 case reports, eight accident reports and one adult arrest. Officers also reported 88 traffic stops, 59 speeding citations and additional moving/adjudication tickets.

Police leaders thanked an anonymous donor who recently contributed $10,000 to the Palos Park Police Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that supports department needs outside the regular budget. The department said foundation funds have been used to hire grant-writing support that helped secure nearly $200,000 in grant awards and to supplement purchases such as ballistic vests and temporary vehicle support when patrol units were disabled.

The department also warned of a telephone scam in which callers claim an employee has been jailed and demand immediate payment for bail. "In the state of Illinois, there is no longer cash bail," an officer said, and residents were advised that requests for immediate payments by gift card, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps are typical scam indicators. The department encouraged residents to verify with police before sending money and to contact the department’s specialists if they receive suspicious solicitations.

No formal council action was taken on the donation during the recorded segments; the foundation operates as an independent nonprofit that directs contributions to department needs.