FAQs

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Police

1. How do residents report crime tips or suspicious activity?: Any action that requires immediate police assistance, including suspicious persons or activities occurring at the moment, should be called in to the police dispatch center at 9-1-1 for emergencies and at 847-982-5900 for non-emergencies.

Citizens with information about a crime, suspicious persons or activities that have already occurred, or the whereabouts of a wanted suspect can call the Crime Tip Hotline at 847-933-TIPS (8477). Any information regarding suspicious activity or known criminal activity can be reported anonymously. However, it is encouraged that when information is provided to the police department, citizens give contact information so that police officers can then follow up with updates on the information provided.

2. Does the Skokie Police Department Use Video Cameras?: See a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Skokie Police Department’s use of video cameras in the community.

3. How do I start a Neighborhood Watch program in my neighborhood?: Interested residents should contact the Skokie Police Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit at 847-982-5922 to get a Neighborhood Watch group started.
Neighborhood Watch page.

4. What is a hate crime?: Click here to see definitions of hate crimes as well as more information from the Skokie Police Department.

5. Can the Skokie Police Department put a special watch over my home while I am on vacation?: Yes. Residents who will be away for an extended period of time can call the police non-emergency number at 847-982-5900 and ask that their home be placed on a “Vacation Watch”. Police will conduct extra patrols on the home specifically looking for suspicious activity. Putting your property on the “Vacation Watch” list also provides the Skokie Police Department with a way to contact you if there is an issue at your home.

6. How does the Skokie Police Department follow up with residents and business owners whose homes or businesses have been burglarized?: When a burglary to a residence or business occurs and the Skokie Police Department is contacted, officers are dispatched and make sure that the area is checked for any possible offenders. An initial investigation is conducted by that officer and any and witnesses are interviewed for information that could assist in the investigation.

Burglary cases are given to detectives who specialize in the investigation of residential and business burglaries. Detectives review all initial reports including evidence reports and make contact with the victim. The detectives then work to develop information through crime patterns, known intelligence and evidence recovered, to successfully solve these cases.
For more information, contact the Police department at 847-982-5900.

7. How can I make a commendation or complaint with the Police Department?: View a copy of the Commendation and Complaint Procedure (PDF).

Skokie Police Reports can be obtained by submitting a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

9. Why does the Police Department charge when they respond to a false alarm at my residence (business)?: Up to 76% of all false alarms are caused by user error. After the Police Department responds to two false alarms in one calendar year, additional false alarm responses will be assessed a charge. Officers responding to false alarms are taken away from other duties. This means they are not available to respond to other incidents. For more information, contact the Police department at 847-982-5900.

Unfortunately, this program is suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

11. Why did the Police Department need a new $30 million police station?: A comprehensive study cited many deficiencies with the old police station, including inadequate space for the Records Unit storage and operations, inadequate evidence processing and packaging facilities, inadequate office space and storage throughout station and the need for spaces that did not exist.

The old building also had inadequate secure-prisoner areas such as the interrogation area, interview rooms and cells. The facility was too small to accommodate current needs as existing space adjacency were inefficient, parking was remote and inadequate, the roof leaked, the HVAC was inefficient as were the electrical and plumbing systems. The building lacked a proper security system, was not ADA compliant and there was no option for storm water detention.
For more information, contact the Police department at 847-982-5900.

12. How do I view the Skokie Police Department 75th Anniversary book?: You can view the Skokie Police Department's 75th Anniversary Book (PDF).

13. How do I get a copy of the Skokie Police Department annual report?: See the 2021 Skokie Police Department annual report by clicking here.