Law Enforcement

The Office of Law Enforcement is responsible for protecting the natural resources and physical properties contained within over 25,000 acres owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. The office is also charged with providing a safe environment for the visitors who use the preserves by reducing the possibility of injury and crime. It accomplishes these goals through a combination of interpretation and enforcement.

The Office of Law Enforcement currently has 25 police officers, three dispatchers, one executive assistant and one part-time staff assistant, who together work to safeguard the District's 62 forest preserves. Daily activities of the Forest Preserve Police range from patrolling preserve trails on mountain bikes to providing first aid to visitors and enforcing state and federal fishing regulations and District dog-leash ordinances.

CALEA Certification

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Office of Law Enforcement is the first park or forest preserve law enforcement agency in Illinois that has met the accreditation standards for the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. Since 1979, only 507 out of 17,000 law enforcement agencies in the country have met the qualifications to receive this award.

Accreditation for CALEA is an extensive, three-year effort. During these rigorous evaluations, every police officer within the office meets more than 300 standards. These standards are in areas of policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The accreditation manager for the District is Officer Love; however this position is a temporary, three year assignment. After CALEA reaccredits the office, another officer will take over as accreditation manager and will begin the process of reaccreditation.

Accreditation is a very meticulous and methodical project; however, the benefits of being an accredited agency are significant. The CALEA accreditation process is a proven management model. Once implemented, the chief has a blueprint that promotes the efficient use of resources and improves service delivery regardless of the size, geographic location, or functional responsibilities of the agency.

On September 18, 2001, the District's Office of Law Enforcement received a plaque symbolizing compliance with CALEA accreditation standards. Since then, it has undergone two successful reaccreditations, most recently receiving an award certificate in July of 2007.

Volunteer Opportunities

The volunteer Trail Patrol program in 2007 consisted of about 35 men and women. They assist the Office of Law Enforcement by providing safe and enjoyable experiences for forest preserve visitors by either walking or biking the trails. They communicate emergencies, such as missing persons or suspicious activities, as well as adverse trail conditions to the office. They answer questions for trail users and distribute trail maps and brochures, which inform the preserve patrons about trail etiquette and preserve regulations. The program is overseen by the volunteer liaison, Officer Jandura.

In 2007, Trail Patrol volunteers contributed over 1,500 hours patrollling 145 miles of trails in 20 preserves and donating 70 hours to District events, including the Kids Bike Rodeo, Earth Day, Wonders of Winter and the Danada Fall Festival.

On-Going Programs

Special Olympics Torch Run

The Office of Law Enforcement's charity of choice is the Special Olympics Torch Run. Officers have been actively involved in raising awareness and funds for the Special Olympics since 1996. In recent years, Law Enforcement Department has increased its contributions to more than $5000 each year. This significant increase has allowed more athletes to enter into the Special Olympics training program to go on to participate in the national and international games. We are in turn able to see the benefits of our fundraising efforts. Law Enforcement’s Torch Run liaison, Officer Love, oversees this program.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard is a five-member group, which consists of four officers and one lieutenant. The Honor Guard participates in various dedications and special events throughout the year.

Bike Rodeo

The annual Forest Preseve District Kids Bike Rodeo is a combined  effort between the Office of Law Enforcement, the Office of Land Management Sector and Fleet Services divisions; and Trail Patrol members. Participants receive instruction on bike maintenance, bike safety and trail etiquette while riding their bicycles through a special course. Officer Jandura is responsible for coordinating this event.