Community Safety

The Kenilworth Police Department is dedicated to protecting the child passengers on our roads, and provides a free Child Safety Seat Inspection/Installation Program that is available to residents. Improperly installed child safety seats do not fully protect children from injuries and/or deaths in the event of a traffic crash or in sudden emergency maneuvers.

Several Kenilworth Police employees are certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as Child Seat Technicians. Residents are invited to call the Police Department at 847-251-2141 to schedule a child safety seat inspection/installation.

Residents and local business employees may have their fingerprints rolled by a police official for professional licensing or employment purposes. An appointment for this service can be scheduled by calling the Police Department at 847-251-2141.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) administers a Victim Notification Program which allows eligible victims and witnesses to obtain reliable and timely information regarding a criminal alien's release from custody.

We support the work of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

An educational program to educate students, the elderly, and civic groups on the safe habits near railroad crossings and right-of-ways. The Kenilworth Police also supplement this educational initiative with ongoing rail crossing enforcement activity.

For more information, please visit the home page of Operation Lifesaver.

This program is used as an alternative to sending first-time youthful offenders through the criminal court system. Youthful offenders are judged and sentenced by a jury comprised of their adolescent peers and often receive sentences that require restitution and/or community service.

The Peer Jury Program is administered through the New Trier Township office and has proven to be very effective.

The Community Policing Officer meets with local senior groups, schools, scouting groups and civic organizations in order to discuss various topics such as crime prevention, “teen driving”, personal security, use of 911, bicycle safety and underage drinking. Residents are invited to call the Police Department at 847-251-2141 to schedule a safety presentation.

The Illinois State Police offers information on registered sex offenders as a public service for the protection of all children.

The Lost Child Alert Technology Resource Program (LOCATER) is a national system that provides a link between all participating police departments across the country. Kenilworth obtained this system through grant funding and was one of the 1st departments in our area to receive this technology.

This system is similar to, and used in conjunction with, the Amber Alert. The system is also capable of producing "wanted" or information posters that can be broadcast to other LOCATER departments.

Tornado Watch

A tornado watch means conditions are right for a tornado; be alert and watch local conditions.

Tornado Warning

A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted and residents should take protective measures. If there is warning time, alert sirens will be used. The warning for tornadoes is a high/low wail.

Siren Information

When the Siren Is Sounded

• Residents are asked to not call 911 or other emergency numbers for information if weather conditions are severe and the siren is sounded. A call asking why the siren was activated ties up the phone lines, and could delay police or fire response to those in need of emergency service.
• Seek shelter in a basement.
• If no basement is available, go to the middle of the house away from glass and breakable items. Keep a flashlight and radio with you.
• Tune your radio to WKRS (1220 AM) or WXLC (102.3 FM) for further information.

If you sight a tornado call 911 and head for cover immediately.

Why do we have a Siren and what is it used for?

Early warning sirens are audible devices used to warn the public of an actual or impending emergency situation. A siren's volume is capable of covering about a one mile radius from its location. The siren is designed to alert citizens who are outside but citizens inside buildings may hear the siren if they are close to the siren location.

The Village of Kenilworth's siren is located behind the Village Hall and operated by the police department. The original purpose of the siren was to provide notification of weather emergencies, but the siren may also be activated during other emergency situations which could endanger all Kenilworth residents.

Siren Testing

Warning sirens are tested on the first Tuesday of each month at approximately 10 a.m.

During a Tornado Warning

• Go at once to a basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of the building. If there is no basement, go to an inner hallway or a smaller inner room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Get away from corners because they tend to attract debris. Try to get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench, heavy table, or desk and hold on to it. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• If you are outdoors during a tornado warning, try to get inside a building. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
• Develop an emergency communication plan for you and your family. In case family members are separated from one another during a tornado, have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure every one knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.