Public Safety

Thursday, May 19, 2022 is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, as declared by Governor Pritzker. The St. Charles Police Department employs 13 crossing guards who manage nine elementary school locations around the city.

The St. Charles Police Department worked in conjunction with the state of Illinois to bring awareness and conduct enforcement regarding distracted driving and the crashes that often directly result from drivers not focusing on the road.

During the month-long campaign that took place at various times and dates across both the morning and evening, the St. Charles Police wrote:

The St. Charles Police Department announced that extra officers are working throughout the month specifically looking for drivers who are violating the state’s distracted driving laws. The law includes prohibited offenses such as texting while driving and using a hand-held mobile device. The goal of the St. Charles Police Department’s participation in the state of Illinois’ annual “Distracted Driving Awareness” month, is to help educate, enforce and make the roads safer for all drivers.

The St. Charles Fire Department responded to 602 Sidwell Court, Unit Q, at approximately 2:21 p.m. on April 6 for a report of a fire in a building. The first St. Charles unit arrived on the scene in just over four minutes and found an active fire inside the unit. The fire was brought under control in approximately eight minutes. The fire was contained to the unit of origin and did not extend to the building structure. Fire damage to the contents is estimated at $15,000. One occupant was working in the unit at the time, who reported the fire and safely exited the structure unharmed.

The St. Charles Fire Department once again has been awarded a Public Protection Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). The Department first achieved this elite rating in 2015, and is honored to maintain this elite status as an ISO Class 1 Fire Department.

The St. Charles Police Department conducted additional traffic enforcement during the week preceding St. Patrick’s Day and on the day itself.  These extra patrols were held in conjunction with the nationwide Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort. The St. Charles Police joined other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois with their effort.  This included working alongside the Kane County States Attorney’s Office which was holding a “no refusal” weekend.

During the mobilization, the detailed officers:

The St. Charles Police Department welcomes its newest member Charlie, a police comfort dog. Charlie was “sworn in” at the City Council Meeting Feb. 22, 2022. His star number is 202 and his handler is Officer Meghan Kramer.

Role of a Comfort K-9

Unlike the typical K-9 which helps police with searches, tracking, and apprehension, Charlie’s main role is to provide emotional support, especially after traumatic incidents.

On Wednesday February 23, 2022 at 6:55 a.m., St. Charles Police officers were dispatched to the report that a woman had been shot inside an apartment in the 1700 block of Covington Court. Upon arrival officers found a 24-year-old female with two apparent gunshot wounds. Officers also learned that a possible offender had left the apartment just prior to their arrival. St. Charles Police, with the assistance of Geneva Police Department and the Kane County Sheriff's Office, immediately set up a perimeter of the surrounding area.