COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

The Communications Bureau is a centralized Police operation for sending and receiving information between citizens and members of the Department as well as other departments of the City, State and Nation through the use of radio, telephone and computer.

The Communications Bureau receives and dispatches all citizen requests (emergency and non-emergency) for police, fire and emergency medical service. Reports of missing/wanted persons and stolen/recovered vehicles and license plates are also processed by the Communications Bureau.

Telecommunicators use a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and an enhanced 911 (E911) phone system. The Communications Bureau also coordinates the use of Department portable radios. The Communications Bureau maintains computer interfaces with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) and the Area-wide Law Enforcement Radio Terminal System (ALERTS). The Communications Bureau also monitors residences and businesses for burglar and fire alarms that are connected to the Police and Fire alarm receiver.