Park Police

The Rockford Park District Police coordinate their efforts so that all of you can safely enjoy our parks, facilities and programs.
 
Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Rockford Park District Police Department to create and maintain a safe and secure recreational environment for all customers and citizens.
 
Patrols: The police department conducts regular patrols at all parks and facilities. Some of the special patrols we do are Bike Patrol in parks, on recreation paths, and at events. Harley-Davidson provides new motorcycles for patrol teams to use on an annual basis. Snowmobile patrol is done during the winter months. The police also have a Snowmobile Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.). This team responds to emergencies in 4 counties throughout Northern Illinois.
 
Events and Facility Security: The police department provides security and police protection for over 500 events a year. We station officers at most major facilities throughout the hours of operation for your protection and safety. This community-oriented policing has proven to be very successful in maintaining the high level of safety and security. Park Police presence keeps problems and trouble from developing rather than responding after something occurs.
 
Community Services: The police department has a crime prevention program called the "Eagle Eye" Park Watch Program. This is similar to the neighborhood watch programs that are popular throughout the community. We are involving the community to help us help them with the safety and security of our great park system. We'd love to come meet with your neighborhood organization to set up an Eagle Eye in your neighborhood park. We also conduct many educational programs; call our Community Services Officer, Lisa Hodges, for more information about safety classes for schools and neighborhood groups and programs.
 
Educational Programs:
Snowmobile Safety
Bicycle Safety
 
To contact the Park District Police for information on any of our programs or general information, call 815-987-8874.

The Rockford Park District was established by State Statute in 1909, and the Park Police Department began full time police operations in 1975, although there were police duties associated from the very beginning.
 
The Rockford Park District Police have been highly successful throughout their existence in keeping parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities safe for visitors, customers, and employees.
 
This is accomplished because we hire and train officers who are willing to become "Community Policing" specialists. This pro-active approach to policing is a hallmark of the highly professional and well-respected Police Department.
 
All officers perform year-round duties at special events, recreational facilities, and select programs.
 

• Routine squad patrol
• Playground and Park patrol
• Motorcycle and Bike patrol
• Snowmobile patrol
• Undercover/Special Operations
• Criminal Investigations
• Walk throughs - pools, ice rinks, indoor sports complexes, museums