Special Assignments

South Suburban Emergency Response Team

The Park Forest Police Special Operations Group (SOG) was one of the first SWAT teams in the Chicago area. However, a shift in policing philosophy and a growing need for additional personnel and resources for major incidents led to an increase in multi-agency task forces. Special Operations is no different, and in 2005, the Park Forest Police SOG Unit was officially retired as the Park Forest Police Department joined the South Suburban Emergency Response Team (SSERT). This multi-agency SWAT team operates in the Fifth and Sixth Districts of Cook County, Illinois. The Park Forest Police Department has two personnel assigned to this team. Two additional personnel go through the 96-hour SSERT SWAT certification course each year.

Park Forest police officers who demonstrate an aptitude for self-initiated patrol activity, tactical skills, and a dedication to the 24-hour demands of Special Operations are considered for positions on SSERT. Assigned officers still perform their day-to-day duties at the Park Forest Police Department. However, they train 16 hours per month with SSERT and are on call 24 hours a day, responding to high-risk search warrants, barricaded gunmen, and hostage situations as required.

ILEAS Mobile Field Force

The Park Forest Police Department has two officers assigned to the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) Mobile Field Force, another multi-agency team that provides riot control for major incidents and additional manpower in disaster situations. After attending a basic certification course, assigned personnel generally train 8 hours per month with their Mobile Field Force unit. They may be deployed across Illinois or nationwide as needed.

Suburban Major Accident Reconstruction Team

SMART is a special investigation task force that investigates major accidents, usually involving serious injuries or fatalities. The Park Forest Police Department has two personnel assigned to this unit. Assigned members received specialized traffic crash investigation training and remain on call 24 hours a day to respond to major accidents throughout the Chicagoland area. Members train monthly and receive additional advanced training throughout their assignments.

Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force

The Park Forest Police Department currently has one officer assigned to the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force. This multiregional unit, organized through the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State, aims to “provide a good quality of life for the residents and business owners of the State of Illinois by reducing auto and recycled metal thefts by conducting comprehensive investigations leading to the arrest of suspects and the return of property to its rightful owner.” The position is completely grant-funded.

South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force

All detectives are members of this specialized homicide investigation task force, which responds to homicides and other major crimes throughout the 6^th and 5^th districts of Cook County on a rotating basis. Members are certified in homicide investigation and are on call 24 hours a day.

K9 Unit

Please see our K9 Unit link for additional information about the Park Forest Police Department K9 Unit.

Drone Team

The Park Forest Police Department utilizes an unmanned aerial system, commonly known as a drone, to enhance public safety in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and state law. Numerous officers from our department, all of whom have completed a rigorous formal training process and received an FAA Remote Pilot License, comprise the Drone Team. They deploy the drone as authorized for various functions, such as searching for missing persons, obtaining crime scene photos, and surveying disaster sites.