Programs/Services

Programs

Explorer Program – Minooka Police Department Explorer Post #447 is an introductory program providing first-hand experience to youth interested in a law enforcement, criminal justice or public service career. The program is open to young men and women from 14 to 21 years of age. Meetings are held twice a month, and include orientation to Ethics in Law Enforcement, evidence collection, crash investigation, traffic stops and other police related operations. For more information or to obtain an Explorer Program Application, contact James Sinovich at 815-467-2298 or by email at [email protected].

Peer Jury Program – The Minooka Peer Jury is a restorative justice program operating under the auspices of the Minooka Police Department.  The program is designed to provide a meaningful and remedial method of dealing with selected juveniles (under age 17) without reference to the court. The program does not determine guilt or innocence.  Peer Jury is about youth accountability, competency development, and community safety and takes into account the referred teen, community and victim.  A case is diverted to the Peer Jury for hearing by a jury of juveniles and adult moderators when (1) the referred teen admits having committed the offense;  (2) the police moderator determines that such diversion is appropriate;  and (3) the referred teen and his/her parent or guardian consent to participate in the Peer Jury program.

Special Needs Alert Program (SNAP) – SNAP is a great program that allows for anyone to notify the Minooka Police Department of a family member or loved one living here in Minooka that has special needs. Simply fill out the SNAP form and attach a recent picture, then turn in to the Minooka Police Department. This information will be put on file just in case there is ever a need for it.

Will County TRIAD for Seniors Program – This ongoing program is intended to facilitate effective lines of communication with senior citizens of the community. Monthly meetings provide interested groups a forum for ongoing dialogue regarding the delivery of law enforcement services, community involvement, victimization, and other pertinent topics.

Services

Vacation House Check – When you are preparing to leave, let us know and we will be happy to watch over your house. While you are away we will make trips to your home, check your doors and windows for security purposes.  Officers will also look for anything unusual. Preventing crime is our goal!  – Vacation House Check Form

Child Safety Seat Installation & Inspection – Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed according to research obtained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We have Officers certified in installing and inspecting child safety seats.

Block Party Permits – Having a block party? Fill out the permit form. You can request for Public Works to bring barricades to block the street and for our Police Officers to stop by for the kids. Officers will bring goodie bags and give a tour of their squad cars. – Block Party Permit Form

Neighborhood Watch

The Neighborhood Watch program is organized to enable the police and community to work together to make specific geographical areas more crime resistant.  It is a citizen involvement, neighborhood and community based effort, designed to help citizens and the police reduce crime and concerns regarding crime in neighborhoods.  One of the more effective ways to promote citizen interaction with police is the sharing of information.  Neighborhood groups determine specific needs or concerns and then share this information with the police through community meetings, merchant meetings and homeowner associations.

Bicycle Safety

The bicycle safety program is designed for ages 5 – 12 years of age.  This program discusses bicycle riding safety tips, bicycle safety checks, preventing bike theft, and bicycle rules of the road.  Bicycle rodeos can be conducted to teach young riders various riding skills by maneuvering through an obstacle course.  – Bicycle Registration Form

Drug Prevention

The D.A.R.E. program is being taught to 5th graders and consists of lessons on saying “no” and resisting pressures to experiment with drugs.  It also incorporates saying “no” to violence and gang involvement.

The Minooka Police Department offers many other crime prevention programs.  Some of which are aimed at specific groups of people or types of businesses.  The Police Department is also available for block parties and to give talks to your civic club.  The following are some of the examples of presentations that can be presented by the Minooka Police Department;

• Identity Theft
• Elder Abuse
• Senior Safety
• Financial Crimes
• Robbery Prevention