Park Watch

JOB LISTING- Park Police Officer

Under direct supervision of the Chief of Park Police, patrols District properties to ensure the safety and security of the park patrons, employees, property and equipment, and to enforce park ordinances and state laws within the parks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, and REQUIREMENTS
•Conducts patrol and surveillance of the Park District system by vehicle, bicycle, and/or by foot patrol as directed by the Chief of Park Police. Observes activities and situations for violations of ordinances or state laws and takes required regulatory or preventative action.
•Investigates complaints and disturbances, apprehends violators, issues summons, and makes arrests. Prepares required reports on incidents and activities related to Police duties.
•Performs traffic and crowd control duties as assigned.
•Inspects the total area of the facility to which assigned to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for the park patrons; takes necessary action to correct unsafe and displeasing situations.
•Is responsible to prepare and submit activity reports, operational reports, and various state mandated administrative reporting forms.
•Reports hazards.
•Renders first aid at accidents, and investigates causes and results of accidents.
•Engages in proactive traffic enforcement efforts to help reduce accidents and deter IVC violations within the Park District’s property.
•Minimum availability of 25 hours per month for additional security at special events.
•Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
•Must be willing and available to work varying shifts including but not limited to first shift, second shift, swing shift.
•All Park Police Officers are expected to share in the on-call duties as assigned which may include overnight calls for service.
•Other duties may be assigned.

Interested? Apply at decatur-parks.org/careers/

New: Closer view of the suspects in the comments
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Update: new images obtained of the possible suspects connected to the 9/11 and Nelson Park vandalism.
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If you have any information regarding this incident please call Park Police Dispatch at 217-424-1311 or Park Offices at 217-422-5911.

During the overnight hours between Friday, September 6th and Saturday, September 7th several individuals damaged the area surrounding the 911 Memorial and the Beach House boardwalk in Nelson Park.

Surveillance captured the images depicted in this post.

The Decatur Park Police are asking for any information the public may have regarding this incident and offering a $500 reward for any information leading to an arrest of the individuals responsible for this senseless act.

Decatur Park Police Dispatch: 217-424-1311

Decatur Park District: 217-422-5911

***UPDATE: The vehicle was recovered in Springfield, IL. Thank you to everyone who shared, commented, and kept their eyes out for it!!

The Decatur Park District/Park Police seek assistance from the public.

At approximately 4:15am, 8/5/24, unknown person(s) stole the dump trunk pictured from the Nelson Park Maintenance area. This dump truck is a 2008 International and had a gray cab, stainless bed, and plow mount at the time of the theft. It also had "Decatur Park District" lettering on the doors, and the number "273" on the hood near the doors. It was last seen on video surveillance traveling north on Nelson Blvd, then west on Rt 36.

Anyone with information, and/or video surveillance relevant to this theft is asked to call the Park District during business hours at 217-422-5911; or the Dispatch Center at 217-424-2711 24/7.

We have a job opening! 🚓

SUMMARY
Under direct supervision of the Chief of Park Police, patrols District properties to ensure the safety and security of the park patrons, employees, property and equipment, and to enforce park ordinances and state laws within the parks.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, and REQUIREMENTS
•Conducts patrol and surveillance of the Park District system by vehicle, bicycle, and/or by foot patrol as directed by the Chief of Park Police. Observes activities and situations for violations of ordinances or state laws and takes required regulatory or preventative action.
•Investigates complaints and disturbances, apprehends violators, issues summons, and makes arrests. Prepares required reports on incidents and activities related to Police duties.
•Performs traffic and crowd control duties as assigned.
•Inspects the total area of the facility to which assigned to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment for the park patrons; takes necessary action to correct unsafe and displeasing situations.
•Is responsible to prepare and submit activity reports, operational reports, and various state mandated administrative reporting forms.
•Reports hazards.
•Renders first aid at accidents, and investigates causes and results of accidents.
•Engages in proactive traffic enforcement efforts to help reduce accidents and deter IVC violations within the Park District’s property.
•Minimum availability of 25 hours per month for additional security at special events.
•Must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays.
•Must be willing and available to work varying shifts including but not limited to first shift, second shift, swing shift.
•All Park Police Officers are expected to share in the on-call duties as assigned which may include overnight calls for service.
•Other duties may be assigned.

Apply at decatur-parks.org/jobs/

The Decatur Park Police needs help identifying subjects in the photos below. Individuals shown are in violation of operating a motorized vehicle on a walking trail, on July 24 at 2 p.m. . Violators were heading west bound on main street in Fairview Park.

Any information is helpful. Please contact the Decatur Park Police at 217-424-1311.