The Park Forest Police Department recently announced that their ongoing enforcement efforts have been successful in making the Village a safer place to drive. 

Deputy Police Chief Kristopher Vallow revealed that the department secured a Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant, which has been utilized to conduct additional traffic safety enforcement initiatives. A budget of approximately $28,000 was allocated to cover 12 separate campaigns, including three-speed enforcement campaigns, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year's, St. Patrick's Day, April Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and the Child Passenger Safety campaign in September. 

During these campaigns, a total of 744 vehicles were stopped, and over 800 citations were issued for various violations such as seat belt infractions, speeding, and distracted driving. Vallow noted that Park Forest residents had been vocal about the need for action against drivers who do not comply with traffic laws, and he assured that the department has responded to these concerns. 

Vallow highlighted the impact of these enforcement efforts, citing a 7% reduction in the number of traffic crashes compared to the previous year (283 in 2024 compared to 306 in 2023 from January to October). He also expressed the department's commitment to seeking additional grants to further support these efforts. 

Furthermore, during a specific period from Oct. 7 through Oct. 17, seven officers dedicated 30 hours to supplemental patrol focused on speed enforcement. This resulted in 64 vehicles being stopped, and a total of 71 citations were issued, including 40 for speeding. 

Vallow emphasized that the primary mission is to ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists by promoting responsible and law-abiding behavior on the roads.