Driver Safety
The Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Services Unit is committed to promoting driver and traffic safety through education and community outreach. Our highly trained officers offer programs tailored for audiences of all ages—from young drivers to experienced motorists.
By contacting the Traffic Services Supervisor, you can arrange for engaging presentations that cover a variety of topics, including:
- Alcohol and drug impairment detection
- Juvenile-focused traffic safety programs
- New and young driver education
Our team utilizes impactful tools such as:
- The Seatbelt Convincer – A unique device that demonstrates the critical importance of wearing seatbelts. Few agencies in our area offer this eye-opening experience.
- Impairment Simulators – Including “Drunk Goggles” and driving simulations that help participants understand the dangers of impaired or distracted driving.
📞 To learn more or schedule a presentation, contact us at 217.788.8357.
Funeral Check
Contact the Springfield Police Department at 217.788.8311 for additional information about this service.
Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.)
The Springfield Police Department recognizes that officers are often the first point of contact for individuals in crisis—including those experiencing homelessness. To better serve this vulnerable population, the department has designated a dedicated Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.) Officer.
Our H.O.T. Officer works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with vital resources such as:
- Emergency and long-term housing
- Health care and mental health services
- Detox and substance use treatment
- Access to social services and support programs
Specially trained to handle the complexities of homelessness, the H.O.T. Officer is also available to assist businesses and neighborhoods affected by related concerns.
📞For assistance or more information, contact our H.O.T. Officer at 217.303.9589.
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is one of the nation’s oldest and most proven crime prevention programs. It empowers residents to partner with law enforcement in creating safer, more connected communities. By forming a Neighborhood Watch group, neighbors work together to:
- Stay alert and aware of activity in their area
- Build stronger communication with local police Create a visible presence that deters criminal activity Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility
Neighborhood Watch is effective because it reduces opportunities for crime to happen—it doesn’t rely on changing the criminal's mindset, but instead focuses on community vigilance and involvement.
Interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area?
🔍Visit the National Neighborhood Watch website to learn more and get started.
Vacation Check/Extra Patrol Request
Heading out of town for the holidays or planning an extended trip? Let us help keep your home safe while you’re away. The Springfield Police Department offers a free Vacation Check (Extra Patrol) service, where officers will periodically patrol around your residence during your absence.
📞To request a Vacation Check, call 217.788.8325. You’ll be asked to provide the following details:
- Date leaving
- Date returning
- Full name
- Home Address
- Reason for request
- Emergency contact name and number Your contact phone number
- Are there lights on a timer?
- Will there be vehicles parked in the driveway?
This simple step adds peace of mind while you're away, knowing officers are keeping an extra eye on your property.
Crime Prevention Tips
Reducing and deterring crime requires a strong partnership between the community and law enforcement. Taking a few simple steps can go a long way in protecting yourself and your property. Please review the following tips to help avoid becoming a victim.
🔒 Burglary & Theft from Motor Vehicles and Vehicle Parts
Did you know that approximately 85% of vehicle burglaries involve unlocked cars?
In many cases, criminals gain access to homes using garage door openers or keys left inside unlocked vehicles. In 2018 alone, 28 firearms were stolen from unlocked cars.
Prevent it:
- Always lock your car doors
- Remove or hide valuables
- Take your garage door opener with you Never leave house keys in your vehicle
Lock It or Lose It
🚗 Motor Vehicle Theft
In 74% of vehicle thefts, the keys were left accessible—either inside the car or taken by someone known to the victim.
Prevent It:
- Never leave your car running unattended
- Do not leave keys or fobs in the vehicle
- Avoid storing spare keys in nearby vehicles
- Always lock your doors
💻 E-Commerce Exchange Zone & Property Tracking
The Springfield Police Department has partnered with LeadsOnline to help track and recover stolen property. When items are sold to pawn shops, serial numbers are entered into a searchable database used by detectives.
Take action:
- Use ReportIt – a free, secure online tool where you can log serial numbers and upload photos of your valuables
- If your items are ever stolen, this information helps investigators recover them faster
🚨 False Alarm Systems
In 2018, 99% of burglar alarm calls were false, often due to user error or equipment malfunction. Help us help you:
- Regularly test and maintain your alarm system
- Train all users in proper operation
- False alarms delay responses to actual emergencies and tie up vital resources
For more safety tips or to speak with a crime prevention specialist, contact the Springfield Police Department.
Working together, we can help keep our neighborhoods safer.
Other Neighborhood Issues
The Springfield Police Department is a division of the City of Springfield, operating under the direction of the Mayor. While we are here to assist with public safety concerns, we understand that not all neighborhood issues fall under police jurisdiction.
If you have concerns that may involve other city services—such as code enforcement, street maintenance, sanitation, or zoning—we’re happy to help connect you with the appropriate department.
You can also reach out directly to the City of Springfield by calling 217.789.2000 or visiting springfield.il.us for more information and available services.
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