More than a decade after its launch, the Park Forest Police Department’s Problem-Solving Police Program—known locally as POP—continues to serve as a bridge between residents and law enforcement. The program focuses on quality-of-life concerns and neighborhood relationships.
The POP program was established in 2012. It assigns a dedicated police officer to each neighborhood zone to serve as the primary contact for non-emergency issues in that area. These officers handle community concerns, facilitate outreach, and act as a liaison between residents and the department, Deputy Chief John DeCeault said in a recent interview.
“POP stands for problem-oriented policing,” DeCeault said. “It allows you to have direct contact with a Park Forest police officer who oversees your general area, where you reside.”
Residents should call 911 for emergencies and crimes in progress. For ongoing or recurring concerns, they can reach their POP officer instead.
According to DeCeault, the program’s purpose is two-fold. It helps residents address quality-of-life issues that affect their neighborhoods. It also provides a consistent contact with the police department.
DeCeault noted that many of the issues POP officers handle are not criminal in nature but can significantly affect daily life.
“They can be something as simple as a parking complaint,” DeCeault said. “Or vehicles speeding through a residential road at certain times of day, or a neighbor issue like a barking dog next door.” POP officers serve as liaisons to help resolve these concerns through communication and coordination.
The program features an interactive online map on the Village website. Residents can click their address to see who their POP officer is and how to contact them by email or phone. Officers follow up with residents by phone or in person on their next scheduled workday to address concerns.
Over the years, the POP program adapted and evolved, DeCeault said. Awareness of the program ebbs and flows. Residents who know their assigned officer often contact them first for neighborhood concerns.
"It just gives you a person to get to know, not just as a police officer, but as a person," DeCeault said. "When you build that relationship with the officer, people feel more comfortable reaching out."
Twenty neighborhood zones each have a designated POP officer who oversees that area. Some officers also oversee multiple zones. Two specialized officers—a veteran liaison and a homeless liaison—focus on broader community outreach rather than assigned POP zones.
DeCeault explained the role POP plays in building trust.
“Instead of constantly calling 911 over the same things, these officers can handle these civilly and try to help you the best they can,” DeCeault said.
The program also promotes proactive community engagement. Officers attend neighborhood meetings and block parties. They often provide extra patrols to learn about issues firsthand. Supporters say that community integration can ultimately prevent larger public safety issues by addressing smaller quality-of-life problems early.
If you are unsure who your POP officer is, use the Village’s interactive map or call the police department’s non-emergency number at 708-748-4700 to find out.