Police

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The Watseka Police Department has a unique history as do other small police departments. In 1948-1950, the Police Department had only five sworn officers working for the City, including the Chief of Police. There was no radio communications at that time. If there was a problem or complaint, Watseka residents called the telephone operator about the problem. In turn, the telephone operator would turn on a red light, which was located in the middle of Walnut Street. When the Police Officer saw the red light, he stopped and called the telephone operator to find out what detail he had. The Police Department had no benefits at that time and were paid $125 per month. They also had to buy their own uniforms, weapons, and ammunition.

Today, the Police department employs 11 full time officers, 5 part time officers, 10 auxiliary officers, and a full time secretary/records clerk.

The rank structure of the Police Department is broken down by the Chief, Lieutenant, Sergeant and patrol officers.  The Department also has a detective division that specializes in general investigations and narcotics enforcement.  The department also has its own drug enforcement team that is very proactive in eradicating narcotic sales and use in the City of Watseka. The enforcement team also actively works with other departments in narcotics investigations. The department also has a K-9 “Tucker” that is trained in the detection of narcotics and tracking of suspects or missing persons.

The officers are certified in numerous state and local programs such as: firearms training for both handguns and rifles, L.E.A.D.S certification, certified juvenile officers, and breath analysis operators. The department also provides numerous trainings to officers to further their knowledge of their jobs.

The officers have benefits set by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) such as: Family and single insurance, Paid holidays with triple time pay for holidays worked, comp time, vacation time, sick time, clothing allowance and a wellness benefit that allows officers to exercise in exchange for comp time. The City also offers to pay for a membership to the local gym for members participating in the program.  The City also offers a pension retirement plan.

The Officers, excluding the Chief are represented by the FOP.

The Police department also actively engages in community relations, such as Cops 4 Kids, in which officers shop with local children at Christmastime and also a Thanksgiving giveaway in which officers delivers Thanksgiving meals to families.

The starting pay for new officers is currently set at $42,100.

Dispatch is currently handled by I-COM (Iroquois County Communications)

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