FAQs

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Citizen Safety

1. When should I use 911?: Call 911 when there is a life or death emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency service such as police, fire, or an ambulance.

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?: To obtain a copy of a police report, you must fill out a Freedom of Information Act request. This can be done online here or in person, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Police Department located at 700 West Lincoln Highway. You may also ask your insurance agent to obtain the report for you.

3. Where do I obtain crime prevention information?: We have various informational brochures at the police department. You may stop in any time and ask for information on your interested topic.

4. How can I obtain an order of protection?: An order of protection is a written court order signed by a judge. If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you can obtain an order of protection against a family member, household member, or someone you have had a dating relationship with. The state’s attorney’s office can help you get an order of protection if you press criminal charges against the abuser.

If you do not want to press criminal charges or if the state’s attorney office will not help you get an order of protection, you can obtain the order of protection in civil court. For assistance, you may contact Safe Passage at 815-756-5228, obtain a private attorney, or you can represent yourself. An order of protection is free.

5. What can I do about annoying/harassing phone calls?: You are required to file a report with the Police Department. You should then call the Nuisance Bureau at 800-257-2969 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advise the Nuisance Bureau that you are receiving annoying/harassing phone calls and that you have made a report with the DeKalb Police Department. They will require our case number.

Upon receiving an annoying/harassing phone call, you are to hang up, wait for a dial tone, dial *57 and follow the recorded instructions. This will trace the call and save the information in the phone company’s computer. The phone company will then only release the trap information to law enforcement. After 18 days they will fax all successful traces. There will be a charge to your phone bill of $4 per successful trace.

6. How do I report suspected drug trafficking in my neighborhood?: In case of suspected drug trafficking in your neighborhood, please contact the DeKalb Police Department at 815-748-8450. It is helpful to obtain as much information as you can, such as vehicle description, registration information, suspect(s) description, etc. Your call will remain anonymous. If you need immediate assistance, please call the non-emergency number at 815-748-8400.

7. What information do you have regarding senior citizens?: Unfortunately, senior citizens are a target of fraud and abuse. Just remember, never release personal information over the telephone or to a stranger who has come to your home. Never give out your date of birth, driver’s license number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers to anyone. If you think you have been a victim of a crime or have accidentally given personal information to someone, you may call the police department any time at 815-748-8400.

Help is available by additional agencies such as Elder Care Services of DeKalb County (815-758-6550), Senior Help Abuse Hotline (800-252-8955, 800-279-0400 {weekends}), and Hard of Hearing (800-526-0844). The Senior Help Abuse Hotline is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..