DuPage County forest preserves are not only beautiful places preserved for you but also safe places thanks to the dedicated officers of the Forest Preserve District’s police force.
A team of 25 sworn officers regularly patrols the county's 60 forest preserves to protect visitors, wildlife, and natural resources alike on foot and by bike, ATV, boat, and squad car. The department also embraces new technologies, such as drones, which can assess areas from the air and assist in search-and-rescue efforts.
The department’s “Play It Safe” campaign educates visitors how to connect with nature safely. Because Forest Preserve District officers don’t constantly respond to calls, they have time to patrol and use it to connect with visitors. In 2023, the department recorded over 4,000 personal interactions with forest preserve visitors. The department's Facebook page extends its reach by sharing safety tips, reuniting owners with lost pets, and celebrating department achievements.
In step with nationwide law enforcement efforts to strengthen community relationships, the Forest Preserve District police remain dedicated to fostering engagement with the public. Programs like "Coffee with a Cop," “National Night Out,” and "Cops and Bobbers” allow the department to shift away from traditional reactive policing to community engagement, problem-solving, and prevention.
“It’s important for visitors to see us as more than just police officers. We want them to see us as people, too, and we want them to know we see them,” said Lieutenant Shelli Jandura. “We understand the diversity of the community we serve, and we recognize and respect them,” she added.
To further enhance their understanding of the community, the Forest Preserve District’s officers receive extensive training in areas such as mental health awareness and crisis intervention, ensuring they’re well-equipped to handle any situation. In fact, in 2023 alone the department provided over 4,000 hours of training to its sworn personnel. The department was also the first forest preserve agency in Illinois to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, a prestigious accreditation that reflects the department’s commitment to professionalism, safety, and community trust.
Supporting the police department, over 100 Trail Watch volunteers act as extra eyes and ears in the preserves. They hike and bike the trails, offer visitors information and safety tips, distribute maps, monitor trail conditions, and report emergencies to the officers.
With 5.5 million visitors annually, the number of incidents in the forest preserves remains remarkably low, a testament to effective policing and strong community partnerships.
To ensure your safety on your next forest preserve visit, here are a few tips:
- Go with a friend.
- Carry your phone.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
- Know where you are in relation to the nearest trail intersection or parking lot.
- Secure your valuables before arriving, and lock your vehicle.
- If you see something suspicious, report it.
Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply enjoying the fresh air, you can explore with confidence knowing that the Forest Preserve District’s law enforcement team is working hard to keep the preserves safe for everyone.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
