Office of Law Enforcement

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies was formed in 1979. CALEA established a body of standards designed to increase a law enforcement agency's capabilities to prevent and control crime, increase effectiveness and efficiency in its services, enhance cooperation and coordination with other law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, and increase citizen and employee confidence in the goals, objectives, policies, and practices of the agency. CALEA has developed an accreditation process that provides law enforcement agencies an opportunity to voluntarily demonstrate that they meet a set of professional standards and best police practices.

The District is proud to be the first park district or forest preserve agency in Illinois to meet law enforcement accreditation standards set by CALEA. The District’s Police Department first met this standard in 2001 and achieved three consecutive re-accreditation approvals, with the most recent in 2011. CALEA’s international standards guide the department in delivering quality service while challenging it to continue its commitment to excellence.

Citizens may file a complaint, including anonymous complaints, concerning the actions of District Police Department personnel or police operations by calling the department at (630) 933-7240 and speaking with a command officer or visiting the District’s headquarters in Wheaton and completing a form in person. View the “Citizen Complaint Procedure” which details the formal complaint process and its investigation.

The District Police Department’s officers not only ensure public safety through the enforcement of rules and regulations, but they also promote safety by educating forest preserve visitors and county residents. Many officers organize and participate in events to develop their professional skills and advance their leadership roles in their community. Officers often participate in the District’s events, including the Bike Rodeo, child safety-seat inspections, Danada Fall Festival, Go Green!, Just for Kids Fishing Derby and Wonders of Winter, and various community events, including National Night Out, Safety Saturday, Special Olympics, and Scout, school and civic outreach programs.

More than 60 Trail Patrol volunteers assist the District’s Police Department. These dedicated individuals hike and bike the DuPage forest preserves’ trails to provide safe and enjoyable experiences in the preserves. Trail Patrol volunteers offer emergency communication assistance, notifying the District’s Police Department of missing persons or suspicious activities and reporting adverse trail conditions. They also distribute forest preserve trail maps and brochures, inform preserve patrons about regulations and trail etiquette, and answer visitors’ questions.

In 2010 Trail Patrol volunteers contributed over 2,500 hours of service to the agency.