parkforestpolice

How can I pay a parking ticket?

Parking tickets may be paid by cash, check, or credit card  (MasterCard/Visa/American Express) at the Park Forest Police Department 24 hours a day.  Questions  regarding your ticket can usually be answered by any records clerk .  More detailed problems are handled by the Parking  Administrator at the Park Forest Police Department between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday by calling during those hours at 708-748-4701.

How do I pay a traffic ticket?

If you were issued a traffic citation where the citation number begins with the letter Y, you can pay the fine via US Mail by using the envelope provided by the officer during the traffic stop.  Directions are included on the envelope.  Some traffic citations require a mandatory court appearance.  You can check in the lower right hand corner of your citation for any court information.

If you were issued a municipal citation where the citation number begins with the letter M, you can pay the fine in cash or credit card (MasterCard/Visa/American Express) at the Park Forest Police Department, in person or by mail.  Please note that prepayment is not available if the officer checked the “Must Appear” box at the bottom of the Municipal Citation.  In this case, the hearing information is included to the right of the “Must Appear” box, and you must appear at the hearing or be subject to a $750 fine.

How do I change a court date for a traffic ticket?

Scheduling of court appearances for traffic citations (citation numbers beginning with the letter “Y”) is conducted through the Cook County, 6th District Circuit Court in Markham, Illinois.  The Park Forest Police Department cannot change court dates.  Call the Markham Courthouse at 708-232-4577.

I feel that I was treated unfairly by an officer.  How do I make a complaint?

Citizens wishing to make a complaint regarding the conduct of an officer may call to speak with a Watch Commander at 708-748-4701 or do so in person at the police department.  The Watch Commander may be able to remedy the situation, or refer you to the supervisor of the officer involved.  The Watch Commander will also be able to assist if your complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction.  However, please note:  complaints that dispute the events that lead to a traffic stop or arrest will not be handled by the Park Forest Police Department.  Once a citation or criminal complaint has been has been issued, the court of venue is the proper place to dispute the facts of the case.

Why didn’t the officer read me my rights?

Miranda warnings must only be provided when two conditions occur simultaneously:  a person is in custody (not free to leave) and they are being interrogated about a criminal matter.   Questions regarding normal processing procedures (name, date of birth, address, etc.) are not considered interrogation.  Many arrestable offenses such as driving offenses and minor criminal matters do not necessitate interrogation, so providing Miranda warnings are not needed.

What time is curfew in Park Forest?

Village Ordinance prohibits anyone under the age of 17 from being in any public place, street, or assembly between the hours of 11:01 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the weekends.   Parents may be held liable if their minor children are out past curfew.

Does the Police Department remove wild animals from my home?

No, the Park Forest Police Department Community Service Unit and Animal Control Units do not remove wild animals.  Please call a professional wildlife removal specialist.

How many animals can I have in my home?

Village ordinance limits the amount of pets in your home to no more than three dogs and cats.

Are my pets required to have animal licenses?

Yes, annual pet licenses must be purchased at Village Hall.  To obtain the license, the pet owner must provide an up-to-date rabies vaccination from a license veterinarian.