Over the Labor Day weekend, the Park Forest Police conducted high-visibility traffic enforcement and handed out nearly 130 citations while making 10 arrests. 

In PFPD's report released on Monday, the department highlighted various traffic offenses, including distracted driving, speeding, and seatbelt violations. The Illinois Department of Transportation's Labor Day campaign, which ran from Aug. 16 to Sept. 3, focused on ensuring seatbelt compliance.

Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow of the Park Forest Police emphasized that the primary objective is to enhance safety on the streets of Park Forest rather than to generate revenue through issuing tickets.

"We want our residents to know we are covering every corner of the Village, ensuring everyone is following the rules of the road," Vallow said. "With the help of grants from IDOT, we're able to have more officers patrols and conducting traffic stops."

Vallow reported that officers conducted 122 stops, resulting in numerous citations. The citations included 63 for people not wearing seat belts, 19 for speeding, and 15 for distracted driving. Additionally, 29 other citations were issued for various violations such as having no valid insurance, disobeying traffic control lights/signs, equipment violations (such as having only one operable headlight, not using headlights when required, failing to dim headlights, and illegal window tint), registration violations (expired or suspended), illegal transportation of open alcohol, and stopping beyond a stop line or on a crosswalk.

The 10 arrests were all traffic-related, involving offenses such as driving without a license, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and providing false identity during a traffic stop.

The Park Forest Police Department will be enforcing traffic laws in upcoming campaigns. Currently, the department is running its Speed Enforcement campaign, which began on Monday and will continue until Sept. 19. This campaign will focus on speeding, aggressive, reckless, and unsafe driving.