The Communication/Support Services involves telecommunication, parking enforcement and ordinance control. Lieutenant David Dayhoff, Dispatch Supervisor Jim Strafaci oversee the staff of 6 telecommunication officers and 1 Community Service Officer.

Communications

Telecommunication officers (dispatchers) are responsible for answering all incoming 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls for service from citizens and provide communications with officers on the street. The Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Telecommunication officers dispatch for police, fire and emergency medical personnel as well as entering and maintaining police records.

Calling the Police
(Emergency 911 - Non-emergency (708) 246-8540)

Should I Really Report It?

It is believed that the public does not report all crimes or suspicious activities they witness. However, we strongly encourage you to call the police whenever you sense that something is "not quite right." The Western Springs Police Department wants you to feel that you may call us for any reason. Don't worry about "bothering" us. That is why we are here. What is suspicious activity? You are the best judge of what constitutes suspicious activity in your area. You know what goes on in your neighborhood on a daily basis even better than we do. If you think it is suspicious, then it probably is. Give us a call and we'll check it out. A large majority of crimes are prevented or solved by calls from community members. You really do make the difference.

Should I Call the Police When ...

• there are solicitors in my neighborhood? Here again, it is a question of whether or not they are acting suspiciously. Many solicitors are honest salespersons, just trying to make a living. However, if they request to enter your home for any reason (to make a phone call, use the rest room, etc.), your warning bells should be sounding. This is a common trick of thieves to gain access to a residence for illegal activity or to "case it." Always follow your instincts. If something seems suspicious, (the story given doesn't sound right, no identification, wandering in area without going to doors, no products on hand, etc.), call us right away. It won't hurt for us to contact the person and find out what is going on. It might very well prevent you or your neighbor from becoming the victim of a crime.
• there are abandoned vehicles in the area? Abandoned vehicles are often broken down and awaiting an owner to return for the rescue. Sometimes abandoned vehicles are stolen vehicles that have been dropped off in your neighborhood. We have the means to determine to whom the vehicle belongs and whether or not it has been stolen. Give us a call.
• there are vehicles that don't belong in the area? It could be a friend of a neighbor or a broken down vehicle, but it could be a group of criminals looking for cars to break into or an open garage door to enter. Take into account all of the events when determining to call us. If in doubt whether to call, make the call!

When Calling the Police to Report a Crime...

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

• Where did the incident happen?
• What is happening?
• Is anyone injured?
• When did this happen?
• Are there any weapons involved?
• If there is a car involved, what does it look like?
• What is the license number?
• What do the suspects look like?
• If suspects or vehicles left, which way did they go?
   

Parking Enforcement/Ordinance Control

One Community Service Officers enforce metered commuter parking zones and collects the meter revenue. The CSO also patrols the regulated parking zones in the downtown business district.

The Community Service officer provides on a daily basis the enforcement of Village ordinances relating to storage of non-registered vehicles, animal complaints, RV parking, debris on the parkway and other ordinance violations. The CSO will also capture animals at-large and provide for their safe return to their owners or for impoundment.