In 1970, the Carterville Fire and Police Departments were combined into one building, which was located on Illinois Avenue. The building was in disrepair, so in 1985 fundraising efforts began to build a new facility, which would still accommodate both departments. After more than 6 years, the funds were finally raised. Remarkably, this million dollar facility was built for just over $400,000 thanks to many volunteers. In 1992 the new station housing both the Police and Fire Departments was finished and dedicated with a ceremony with over 1,000 guests in attendance. In 2011 the Police Department relocated yet again to its current location on W. Illinois Avenue.   

It is estimated that more than 160 men and women have served as Police Officer for the City of Carterville since 1930. The Department currently consists of seven full –time patrol officers, eleven part -time patrol officers, six auxiliary officers, a part-time criminal investigator, a part-time time code enforcement officer and a part-time time administrative assistant.  The department is led by Chief Heather Reno , who is assisted by Deputy Chief Mike Flaningam.  The department has made much advancement in technology in relation to record keeping, in car video and computers, training, and less than lethal use of force.   This highly trained staff is dedicated to the profession of law enforcement and is proud to serve the citizens of Carterville. 

The City of Carterville Police Department is a full service agency that provides twenty-four hour service to the community.  The Department is responsible for the investigation of all criminal incidents, traffic collisions, special traffic enforcement, planning and staffing special events, as well as the enforcement of City Ordinances.  

There truly is nothing like the feeling that you've done something to make someone else's life just a little better. True, if you encounter a police officer on the job, you're probably not having a very good day. But most officers know that they have the ability to affect the outcome simply based on what they do or how they treat you. 

Whether it's by helping you change a tire on the side of the road, showing a little compassion and empathy on a traffic stop or at a crash scene, or helping you see that justice is done if you're a victim of a crime, officers rarely forget that most of us took the job because we wanted to help others. 

We always like to remind residents and visitors to please slow down and be cautious in our school zone areas, as these are busy roadways in our town.  

Residents, please help us reduce opportunist crimes by locking your homes and vehicles and reporting any suspicious activity to the police department immediately. 

For the safety of our residents, vendors wishing to go door-to-door for sales or promotion opportunities are required to obtain a permit from the Police Department before doing so.  Please ask all peddlers for their permit and notify us if they cannot produce one signed by the Chief of Police.    

We also like to remind residents to be aware of the constant tweaking of basic scams being perpetuated by phone and email.  Please do not click on any links asking you to verify any personal information or provide anyone calling any personal information.  No legitimate business will ask for that information over the phone or by unsolicited email.  Assume any request/demand for personal information or payment on an unknown debt is a scam and contact the business directly with a number you obtain yourself. 

Hope to see everyone downtown for the Christmas in Carterville event on Friday, December 1st, from 6pm to 9pm!