Palos Park police report: 2,190 calls, scams warning and new Blue Envelope program

Commissioner Polk presented the public safety report for Feb. 9–22 at the Feb. 23 Palos Park council meeting and highlighted department activity and community programs.

Polk reported "2,190 calls for service," 13 citizen assists, 12 case reports and three accidents during the reporting period; there were no adult or juvenile arrests and no vehicle impounds. The department made 97 traffic stops, issued 29 moving-violation citations, 34 adjudication tickets and 69 speeding tickets.

Polk warned residents that the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (a union representing sworn officers) will begin its annual phone-based fundraising solicitations and said most money solicited that way does not come to Palos Park. He encouraged anyone who prefers to support local policing to consider the Palos Park Police Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) that directs donations to department programs.

Polk also described tech-support scams in which victims are convinced to transfer cryptocurrency; he urged residents to call the Palos Park Police Department for assistance rather than sending money. The department also announced Coffee with a Cop (Wednesday at 11:00 a.m.) and participation in a Blue Envelope Program, designed to help officers interact with motorists on the autism spectrum by allowing drivers to present identification and program participation information in a blue envelope to facilitate communication.

Chief Miller added that the Citizens Police Academy will cover investigative and training topics for residents who enroll.

No formal action was taken; the report was informational.