Will County Sheriff’s Police: Serving the Community
The Will County Sheriff’s Police Department is the principal law enforcement agency serving the county’s nearly 693,000 residents. Located in Joliet, Illinois, the department was established in 1836 and is committed to protecting the citizens of Will County by providing top-notch police services.
Mandate and Responsibilities
As part of the Will County government, the Sheriff’s Police Department has the responsibility of enforcing the law, investigating crimes, and maintaining the safety and security of county residents. Some of their key responsibilities include:
- Patrolling unincorporated areas and municipalities within Will County to prevent and investigate crimes.
- Enforcing traffic laws, investigating accidents, and responding to calls related to traffic and vehicle pursuits.
- Serving warrants, conducting civil services, and enforcing court-ordered decrees.
- Operating the County Jail and monitoring inmate supervision.
- Cooperating with local and federal law enforcement agencies to fight crime and enhance public safety.
Departments and Units
The Will County Sheriff’s Police Department is composed of various departments and units, each specializing in different areas of policing. These include:
- Tactical Unit: Provides swift and decisive responses to critical situations, conducts high-risk search warrants, and participates in counter-terrorism training.
- Sergeant’s Command: Oversees the department’s administrative duties, such as scheduling, personnel management, and accreditation.
- Investigation Division: Conducts interviews, collects evidence, and analyzes crimes scenes to investigate and solve felony cases.
- Field Operations Bureau: Comprised of patrol divisions that focus on proactive policing, crime reduction, and community engagement.
Training and Equipment
The Sheriff’s Police Department is committed to staying current with the latest law enforcement training and technologies. Officers undergo ongoing training to maintain their certification and improve their skills, covering topics such as crisis intervention, officer survival training, and implicit bias. The department is also equipped with advanced technology such as body-worn cameras, fleet vehicles equipped with digital communication systems, and a fully- integrated communications center.
Community Programs
The Will County Sheriff’s Police Department is committed to building positive relationships with the communities they serve. Some of the ways they achieve this include:
- Citizens’ Academy: A free program educating residents on police procedures and the importance of community partnerships.
- YAC (Youth Against Crime): A mentorship program providing young people with positive role models and guiding them towards responsible citizenship.
- Operation Support for Families: Offers resources, support, and education for families in need.
- Public Service Days: Hosts events such as blood drives, charity fairs, and food collections to benefit local communities.
Facts and Statistics
- Inmates: The department currently maintains a 960-bed Jail facility with a daily population of approximately 600-700 inmates.
- Calls for Service: Handles over 140,000 calls for service annually.
- Cases Closed: Solved rate of cases is over 65% for crimes involving felony warrants.
- Certification: Has maintained state-accredited agency status since 1998, recognizing exceptional policing practices.
Ways to Connect
Citizens of Will County have several ways to connect with the Sheriff’s Police Department:
- Contact: Phone (815) 727-8888, Email ws-police@co.will.il.us
- Website: willountysheriff.com/police
- Social Media: Facebook @WillCoSheriffsPolice, Twitter @WillCoSheriffs
- Drop-off Locations: Drop-off secure boxes located throughout the county for tips, tips of crimes, or lost or found items.
In Conclusion
The Will County Sheriff’s Police Department is a trusted and dedicated organization committed to safeguarding the well-being and security of its citizens. Through innovative training and equipment, community-driven programs, and dedicated teamwork, they provide a responsive and proactive police service, making a tangible difference in the lives of Will County residents.
