Melrose Park Police Department

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The Village of Melrose Park Encourages Drivers to “Be Safe: Stop on Red”

The Village of Melrose Park is committed to increasing roadway safety. We strongly encourage the driving community to “Be Safe: Stop on Red”. Remember, lives depend on it!

Intersections represent a disproportionate share of public safety problems on roadways. In fact, motorists are more likely to be injured in urban crashes involving red light running than in any other type of motor vehicle accident. Unlike collisions in which drivers have no control of the outcome, those caused by red light running can be prevented.

The Village of Melrose Park in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is committed to increasing roadway safety, especially at intersections. Red light enforcement systems are installed at the intersection of 25^th Avenue and North Avenue monitoring southbound, westbound and eastbound.

Due to significant traffic congestion at these locations, we are confident that these enforcement systems will make a life-saving difference.

In order to educate and inform the community about this important safety initiative, we are launching a public awareness campaign, “Be Safe: Stop on Red.” Remember, lives depend on it!

On this web site you will find information regarding the extent of the problem, the automated red light enforcement solution and frequently asked questions and answers.

DID YOU KNOW?

Red Light Running is a Serious and Growing Traffic Safety Problem

• 63% of all Americans will witness a red-light running incident more than once each week, according to a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the American Trauma Society.
• Intersection-related vehicle accidents caused more than 8,700 casualties in 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• One in three Americans knows someone who has been injured or killed in a red light running crash.
• Traffic crashes are the single, most significant cause of preventable death and injury in North America.

Red Light Cameras: A Proven Solution

• Among the 89 percent of drivers who are aware of the camera programs in their cities, a majority say the devices have made intersections safer.
• More than 500 communities across the country look to red-light safety cameras to help protect their roadways against dangerous and distracted drivers.
• Over time, numerous studies suggest that red light cameras can save lives and increase traffic safety by:

• Changing behavior leading to safer driving habits
• Significantly reducing traffic crashes and dangerous driving
• Increasing police officer safety and public safety

We strongly encourage the driving community to “Be Safe: Stop on Red.”  Remember, lives depend on it!

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VILLAGE OF MELROSE PARK

“BE SAFE: STOP ON RED”

AUTOMATED RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

(FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS)

Detecting Violations

What is a Red Light Violation?

There are two (2) types of Red Light Violations:

1. Entering an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red.
2. Right Turn on Red – You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you fail to bring your vehicle to a complete stop before turning right on red (where permissible). You may be cited with a Red Light Violation if you turn right on red where it is expressly prohibited and/or if you turn right on red on days and/or during hours prohibited by law (expressly or implicitly).

Can I see the images of my vehicle online?

Yes, your vehicle was captured by photo-enforcement cameras. You may view the images of your vehicle by going to www.payonlineticket.com. Enter your ticket number and follow the directions as they appear. If you do not have your ticket number, you may still view the vehicle images by entering the license plate number, driver’s license number of the registered owner (or lessee) or the VIN (vehicle identification number) of the registered vehicle.

What if I am already in the intersection, when the light turns red?

If you entered the intersection when the light was green or yellow, you will not receive a “Notice of Violation.” It is legal to clear the intersection if you are already in the intersection when the light turns red.

What if I was not driving at the time of the recorded violation?  Do I still have to pay the ticket?

Under Illinois State Law, the registered owner (or lessee) of a vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur. It does not matter who is driving the car (unless the vehicle has been reported stolen prior to the time of violation – refer to list of “Defenses”).

What are the defenses to a Red Light Violation?

The defenses to a Red Light Violation are as follows:

1. The operator of the vehicle was issued a Uniform Citation by a police officer for the same incident as captured by the Red Light Enforcement Camera.
2. The violation occurred at a time during which the vehicle or its license plate was reported to a law enforcement agency as having been stolen and the vehicle or license plate had not been recovered by the owner at the time of the alleged violation.
3. The vehicle was leased to another, and within sixty (60) calendar days after the citation was mailed to the lessor, lessor submitted to the municipality, the correct name and address of the lessee of the vehicle identified in the violation notice at the time of the alleged violation, together with a copy of the lease agreement, the lessee’s driver’s license number and any additional information that may be required.
4. The vehicle was an authorized emergency vehicle or it was yielding the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle.
5. The vehicle was lawfully participating in a funeral procession.
6. The respondent was not the registered vehicle owner, lessee or renter of the cited vehicle at the time of the violation.

What if the car was a rental?

Under the law, the person(s) designated as the driver of the vehicle on the rental or lease agreement is responsible for any assigned violations during the rental/lease period.

Do red light cameras violate a motorist’s privacy?

No, driving is a regulated activity on public roads. By obtaining a license, a motorist agrees to abide by certain rules, such as to obey traffic signals. Neither the law nor common sense suggest drivers should not be observed on the road nor have their violations documented/recorded. The use of RLR cameras in support of traffic safety has been upheld by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals for the Northern District for Illinois.

Isn’t the main purpose of red light cameras to make money?

No. The goal of red light camera enforcement systems is to improve public safety by reducing injuries and deaths caused by accidents. Drivers are advised of camera systems at each intersection that photo enforcement is in use by way of signage. Revenue is generated from fines paid by drivers who continue to run red lights, which is a serious traffic safety problem.

Other Questions

What if I have other questions that were not answered here?

You may call toll free 1-877-262-3318 or 1-877-262-3356 if you are hearing impaired. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (excluding legal holidays).

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Collecting Fines

How much is the fine?

When issued a Notice of Violation, it is mailed to the owner or lessee of the vehicle indicating a fine amount of $100. The violation notice needs to be contested or paid (in full) by or before the “Contest By” or “Pay By” date shown on the notice. If no action is taken, a Determination of Liability will be entered against the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle. The violation needs to be paid (in full) or a Final Determination of Violation Liability will be issued to the owner or lessee of the vehicle. The Final Determination of Violation Liability includes a late penalty of $100. The payment of the fine amount listed on the Final Determination of Violation Liability is required by or before the “Pay By” date shown on the notice, if this is not paid, the Village of Melrose Park will take further enforcement and collection action.

How much time do I have to pay?

You must either pay the fine or contest the violation by or before the “Pay By” or “Contest By” date listed on the front of the Notice of Violation.

How can I pay the fine?

You can pay online at www.payonlineticket.com, in person at the Melrose Park Police Department’s Payment Kiosk, or by mailing the citation and your check or money order to Village of Melrose Park, PO Box 7722, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7722. Additionally, you may call 1-877-262-3318 to pay the violation over the phone. Please note that the payment kiosk only accepts credit or debit card payments.

If I pay the fine, will it go against my driving record?

No. A violation under Illinois law will not affect your driving record or insurance rates (it is similar to a parking ticket).

What happens if I forgot to pay the fine by the “Pay By” date or forgot to contest by the “Contest By” date?

Failure to respond in a timely manner is an admission of liability. Therefore, you will be required to pay the initial fine of $100.00 and a penalty of $100.00 for a total of $200.00 per violation. Failure to respond may also result in a suspension of driving privileges of the registered owner or lessee of the vehicle.  The Village of Melrose Park must notify the Secretary of State about a registered owner having 5 (five) or more unpaid automated traffic law violations.

Can I make installment payments?

No. Payment of the fine (and any penalty) must be paid in full by the date posted on the notice.

Can I contest the fine after I have already made payment?

No, you cannot. Once you have paid the fine it is considered an admission of liability.

What if I want to contest the Notice of Violation? 

The registered owner, lessee or renter may contest the Notice of Violation by mail or in-person.

To contest by mail – please place a check mark in the box next to “Contest by mail” on the “Notice of Violation Liability Stub.” Enclose the “Notice of Violation Liability Stub” along with a statement signed by the registered vehicle owner, lessee or renter of the vehicle setting forth facts that establish a defense (see list of “Defenses”). Also enclose any supporting evidence, such as photographs, affidavits, official police vehicle theft and/or recovery reports (send copies and not originals as these documents will not be returned to you). An administrative hearing officer will determine whether you have met the burden of proof or whether you must pay the fine.

To contest in person – please place a check mark in the box next to “In Person Hearing” on the “Notice of Violation Liability Stub.” Mail the “Notice of Violation Liability Stub” in the return envelope. Alternatively, you may call 1-877-262-3318 to register for your assigned In Person hearing. Please appear at the In Person Hearing on the date and at the time set forth on the front of the “Notice of Violation Liability Stub”. The In Person hearing location is The Melrose Park Police Department located at 1 North Broadway, Melrose Park, IL 60160.

You must contest by the “Contest By” date found on the front of your Notice of Violation.

   Other Questions

What if I have other questions that were not answered here?

You may call toll free 1-877-262-3318 or 1-877-262-3356 if you are hearing impaired. Phone lines are open Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (excluding legal holidays).

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Village of Melrose Park, Illinois Police Department to transform operations with the Mark43 Records Management System

Industry-leading cloud-native Records Management System will support officers in their mission of addressing crime and engaging with the community  

 

NEW YORK – December XX, 2023 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, today announced that the Village of Melrose Park Police Department has signed on to implement Mark43’s cloud-native Records Management System (RMS). The partnership will provide the Village of Melrose Park’s 70 sworn officers with a secure and reliable data-driven platform that supports the safety of the entire community.

Anthony Greco, Deputy Chief of the Village of Melrose Park Police, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark43. Our officers deserve the best available technology, and the Mark43 RMS will give our officers real-time, mission-critical information so they can successfully support our community and keep our residents safe.”

Matt Polega, Mark43 Co-founder and President said, “We are excited to partner with the Village of Melrose Park Police Department to meet their mission of spending less time writing reports and more time on other critical priorities in their community.  By moving away from an on-premises tech platform to one that is cloud-native, they are a clear leader in public safety for Illinois.”

Mark43 RMS is an intuitive records management system that will be used by officers and staff in everyday policing. Hosted on AWS GovCloud, Mark43 RMS enables faster report-writing, integrated compliance standards, and superior user experience that leads to enhanced work performance and job satisfaction. The Mark43 RMS also includes an intuitive, easy to use National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) reporting capability, which supports more accurate crime reporting.

The new partnership also includes robust training to ensure that officers are adept at using the new platform, as well as 24/7 customer assistance to give Village of Melrose Park ongoing customer support.

Mark43 continues to partner with new police departments in Illinois. This partnership follows the recent announcement of the Berwyn (IL) Police Department and the Hometown (IL) Police Department signing on to deploy the Mark43 Public Safety Platform.

About Mark43 

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.

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Drive Merry, Bright, and Sober This Holiday Season

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Drive High Get a DUI

 

The holidays are a time for caring and sharing, which is why the Melrose Park Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to spread the word about the dangers of impaired driving with a “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI” enforcement campaign. From December 15 through January 2, law enforcement across Illinois will show zero tolerance for alcohol and drug impaired driving to keep our roads safe and help ensure a happy holiday season.

“If you’ll be celebrating with festive drinks or other impairing substances, make a plan for a safe ride home before you leave for the party,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Greco. “Driving impaired is simply unacceptable. That’s why we make zero exceptions and arrest all impaired drivers. There are no excuses.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in the United States in 2021, a total of 13,384 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes each year from 2017 to 2021, with one person killed in a drunk-driving crash approximately every 45 minutes. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired – by alcohol, cannabis, or any other substance, whether legal or not – is potentially deadly and illegal behavior.

Melrose Park Police Department recommends these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or ride-sharing service.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, pull over and contact the Melrose Park Police Department.
• Have a friend who is about to drive impaired? Take their keys and make arrangements to get them home safely. They’ll thank you later.
• Remember to buckle up!

The holiday enforcement campaign is administered by IDOT with federal highway safety funds managed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Melrose Park Police Department To Motorists:

Celebrating Thanksgiving? Buckle Up and Drive Sober

 

This Thanksgiving, the Melrose Park Police Department is joining the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement to ensure holiday travelers are buckled up and driving sober with a “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign that runs November 17 – 27^th.

“Thanksgiving means more vehicles on the road – and an increased risk of crashes,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Greco. “No matter how long or short your drive, remember to buckle up and make sure children are in a safe seat. By buckling up and making a plan for a sober ride home, you help everyone have a safe and happy holiday.”

The goal of this high-visibility effort is to reduce motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Proper seat belt use is the most effective way to protect vehicle occupants. According to IDOT, the statewide seat belt usage rate has room for improvement at 92.9%.

If you’ll be celebrating with alcohol or other impairing substances, please remember:

• Plan for a sober ride home before you go out.
• Call a taxi, take mass transit, or ask a family member to get you home safely.
• User your favorite ride-share service, such as Uber or Lyft, or take public transportation.
• If you see a drunk driver, pull over safely and call 911.
• Make sure everyone in your vehicle wears their seat belt. It is the best defense against an impaired driver.

The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Introducing the 24 PetWatch Microchip Reader at the Melrose Park PD

 

The Cook County Animal and Rabies Control had recently presented a class for police agencies to help pet owners in the recovery of their animals implanted with microchip. By participating with this program, the police department was provided with a microchip scanner to check if the animal has been registered with a microchip. If registered, the animal’s owner information can quickly be recovered and be notified for return as soon as possible. Animals without microchip will immediately be transported to the Animal Care League in Oak Park, in partnership with our department.

This department scanner is compatible with common microchip types and will provide their unique microchip identification number which can then be entered in a database with animal registrations. The registered animal’s pet owner will then be notified by email, telephone and text message that the animal has been recovered, including a message regarding medical information.

The department scanner service will be available at the station front lobby Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Information about the 24 PetWatch pet registries can be made through 24Petconnect.com and mypethealth.com website. To sign up for the Animal Care League updates, events and pet of the week postings, you can visit the animalcareleague.org website.

Melrose Park PD Records Clerk Liz Rodriguez, CSO Suleima Valle and “Bronco”.

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Parking Restrictions

 

Effective November 1, all parking restrictions will be enforced. This includes, but is not limited to –

No overnight parking in Winston Park or West Melrose

No overnight parking on East and West streets

And alternate sides of street parking per street parking signs

Again, these parking restrictions will be strictly enforced and tickets will be issued.

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Summer Weekend Parking

 

Summer weekend parking begins Friday, April 1st, and will be in effect until December 1st.

Summer weekend parking allows you to park on BOTH sides of the street on the weekends from Friday at 5 pm until Monday at 9 am.

Summer parking is ONLY permitted in the central area of Melrose Park, it does not apply to the Winston Park area not West Melrose Park area.

If you should have any questions regarding the summer weekend parking, you may call the Police Department nonemergency number at –

708-344-8409 – 24 Hours a day

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Animal Care League’s Pets & People Support Program

 

Animal Care League’s Pets & People Support Program has been set up to keep pets with their people and out of the shelter system. Our new program will offer pet food & supplies to seniors (60+) and those experiencing a financial hardship within our service area. For our first 200 care packages we will also be adding in some PPE (hand sanitizer, masks and wipes) as well as a produce box (donated by Beyond Hunger).

To request a supply/care package –

https://forms.gle/RN5GqXv9zU5c2pKL6

Resources –

Community Resource List

Pet Support Program Flyer

Pets & People Support Program Info Sheet

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LOTTERY LETTER SCAM

 

Dear Melrose Park Residents,

Be aware of Lottery Scams. These letters are being sent through emails or US Mail claiming you are a winner of the Powerball or Mega Millions. These letters are usually sent from foreign countries with fake contact information. If you receive these letters please DO NOT respond or take any action as the letter instructs you to.

Notify our Police Department and a report will be taken on the matter. At any time you feel you are being scammed it most likely is a scam and always remember to use common sense.

If you have any questions concerning this issue call the Melrose Park Police Department non-emergency at 708-344-8409.

Sincerely,

Sam C. Pitassi

Director of Police

 

Sample:

 

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UNOFFICIAL WATER UPDATE NOTICE

 

There have been reports of the following notice left at some residencies.

NOTE: This is NOT affiliated with the Village Of Melrose Park.

 

 

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BEWARE UNEXPECTED CHECKS IN THE MAIL – SCAMMERS TARGET ANYONE

 

Take a look at the check that Melrose Park PD received in the mail recently.  The only problem… this is a counterfeit check.

How it Works: 

Scammers send checks in the mail.  They usually ask at the time of delivery, or in a follow-up message/letter that you deposit the check into your account, and then send back a portion of the amount via your own check or wire transfer.  In this case, the scammer sent the check in a United States Postal Service priority mail envelope.

The Problem Is:

The check or money order that you receive and deposit will turn out to be counterfeit.  The counterfeit check will be returned to your bank without funds, and you will be charged the full amount.

Your Account, Your Responsibility:

Any check or money order that you deposit into your bank account is your responsibility.  Should the check be returned as unpaid, you will be stuck with the charges.  Because of federal law, banks must make deposited money available within 1 to 5 business days.  This means that it is possible for a person to withdraw funds from their account after unknowingly depositing a counterfeit check.  It can sometimes take weeks for a check to be returned to your bank as unpaid.  When that happens, the person that deposited the check into their account is responsible for the charges.

What You Should Do:

As the saying goes… “If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.”  If you receive a check like this in the mail, you should not deposit it.  You should shred the check so that it isn’t mistakenly deposited later.  BEWARE- Scammers can be very persistent.  If you are contacted via electronic communication, block the scammer.  If the scam is on an internet website, report the scammer to the administrator of the site.

If you have any questions contact the Melrose Park Police Department.

Useful Links:

There are numerous ways that people may try and scam you out of your money.  Here are some helpful links with tips on how to avoid being scammed.

http://www.fakechecks.org

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/schemealerts.aspx

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/videos.aspx

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/pressroom/pubs.aspx

 

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MELROSE PARK POLICE OFFER SAFE DISPOSAL METHOD FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

 

The Melrose Park Police Department has partnered with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to offer residents a safe and convenient method for disposing of unused and unwanted prescription medications. These types of drugs pose a danger within the home. They may become the source of an accidental poisoning or overdose. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, most abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family. Disposing of these drugs by throwing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet may pose health/safety and environmental risks.

In order to provide a preferable alternative for the disposal of these drugs, a secure collection box has been placed in the lobby of the Melrose Park Police Department. “Our residents may now safely dispose of unwanted drugs by simply placing them inside of the collection box in our station,” stated Director of Police Sam Pitassi. “This is another way we can assist our residents and promote drug safety within the home,” said Pitassi.

The secure collection box is available to residents for unwanted medications 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please do not place garbage, food, bio-hazardious waste or sharps in the collection box. If you have any questions, you may call the police desk at 708-344-8409.

 

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OFFENDERWATCH NOW COVERING MELROSE PARK

 

Our office is pleased to provide OffenderWatch® for the citizens of Melrose Park. OffenderWatch® is the nation’s leading registered sex offender management and community notification tool with hundreds of leading agencies in dozens of states utilizing it. Melrose Park’s law enforcement utilizes OffenderWatch® to manage and monitor the whereabouts, conduct and compliance status of the registered offenders in Melrose Park. OffenderWatch® provides the most accurate and timely information available and now this information is available to you!

 

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