What's New in Fire and Police
IMPORTANT LETTER TO PARENTS FROM CHIEF
BUERGER
Dear Parents,
As proms and graduations approach, the Lake
Forest Police Department would like to remind everyone that
in Illinois drivers less than 21 years of age are subject to
zero tolerance laws, which make it illegal for those under
the age of 21 to drive after having consumed any amount of
alcohol. A violation of zero tolerance laws may result in
license revocation, significant fines, and extended
community service. The police department also reminds
parents and businesses under the social hosting laws they
may be held criminally and civilly liable for any incidents
that result from making alcoholic beverages available to
anyone under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by
anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited.
According to the National Transportation
Safety Board, 33 percent of fatalities among 15 to 20
year-olds are a result of motor vehicle crashes, of which at
least 35 percent are alcohol related. During the spring prom
and graduation season, young people are more likely to fall
victim to vehicle crashes, especially those involving
alcohol.
The Lake Forest Police Department wants all
students to enjoy themselves and return home safely during
this significant time in their lives. No parent wants to be
awakened by a late night call or visit by a law enforcement
officer. We ask that everyone be extra diligent when it
comes to alcohol. We also encourage all parents to make the
decisions that will ensure the safety and security of our
children.
Sincerely,
Joseph C. Buerger
Chief of Police
NEW PAY BY SPACE PAY STATIONS AT
TELEGRAPH ROAD TRAIN DEPOT
New
pay-by-space pay stations have been
installed at the Telegraph Road train depot.
Pay stations allow daily commuters the
convenience of paying by credit card or
currency. Commuters may also pay using a
mobile application on their smart phone or
mobile device or they can call PARKMOBILE
and pay by phone. A brochure explaining the
payment options and how to use them is
available at the depot or
click here for a downloadable copy.
NO CELL PHONES IN A SCHOOL ZONE
Important information for
Parents
A new Illinois law went into effect on
January 1, 2010 which prohibits individuals from text
messaging while driving. Another law also took effect which
prohibits cell phone use in a school speed, zone or
construction/maintenance speed zone, unless the driver is
using an electronic communication device in hands-free or
voice-activated mode.
For more information about this
law passed by the Illinois General Assembly which
regulates the use of wireless telephones is available here.
SOCIAL HOSTING ORDINANCE APPROVED
For Immediate Release - February
17, 2010
Lake Forest has become the latest
Lake County community to expand and
strengthen rules to deter people who
allow children to drink or do drugs
at parties or other gatherings.
Adopted by the Lake Forest City
Council on February 16, 2010, the
ordinance will be in effect after
publication in pamphlet form in the
manner provided by law. The new
“social host ordinance” is designed
to hold any person, not just
parents, accountable for events at
which kids are drinking or using
drugs.
It also expands the types of
places where such rules can be
enforced. The previous ordinance
covered residences, while the new
law adds hotels, parks, banquet
halls, as well as vehicles such as
limousines, busses, and boats.
The new law does not apply to
alcohol consumed for religious
ceremonies and provides a safety net
for persons hosting a lawful
gathering, by notifying the Police
when circumstances get out of hand.
Violators face fines of up to
$2,500.
Supported by the Lake Forest
Police Department and the Speak Up!
Prevention Coalition, the ordinance
was approved by the City Council
upon recommendation from the City’s
Legal Committee.
“The new Social Host Ordinance is
one important step in a
comprehensive effort underway by our
community coalition to significantly
reduce the rate of underage drinking
and other drug use,” said Betty
Frank-Bailey, Director of the Speak
UP! Prevention Coalition.
The social host ordinance was
proposed by the Lake Forest Police
Department in conjunction with the
Speak Up! Prevention Coalition, and
is part of a collaborative effort
across Lake County to prevent
underage consumption of alcohol. The
Lake County Underage Drinking
Prevention Task Force, which
includes the Lake County Chiefs of
Police, Speak Up! Prevention
Coalition of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff
and other Lake county coalitions,
has a goal of passing social host
ordinances to cover every community
within the county. Lake Forest is
the 19th town to adopt such a law;
Barrington, Deerfield, Highland
Park, Lake Bluff, Mundelein, and
other area towns have adopted
similar laws.
For further information, please
contact Deputy Chief Glenn
Burmeister at 847-810-3804 |
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THE BOOT
On January 1, 2010, the Lake Forest Police Department
began a pilot program to collect unpaid parking ticket
revenue by utilizing the Boot. Although the Boot is not a
new parking enforcement tool, it has not previously been
used in Lake Forest. There are a number of individuals who
owe a significant amount of money on unpaid parking
violations, and this program will allow the City to collect
that outstanding revenue and bring those individuals in
compliance with City ordinances.
The Boot is a device placed on the wheel of a vehicle
which causes it to be immobilized. Once it is attached to a
vehicle, the owner must contact the Lake Forest Police
Department, pay all unpaid parking tickets, and pay a Boot
fee of $100.00. Bright
ORANGE notices will be
placed on the car advising the driver the Boot has
immobilized their vehicle, not to drive the car, and to
contact the Lake Forest Police Department.
For further information, please contact Deputy Chief
Glenn Burmeister at 847-810-3804.
EMERGENCY OUTDOOR WARNING SIRENS
The City's emergency outdoor warning sirens are
audibly tested on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00
a.m.
The 13 sirens placed throughout the City have the
capability of rotating a full 360 degrees and have the
ability to be independently operated.
Outside of the testing schedule, the sirens will be
sounded for the following reasons:
- A confirmed sighting of a tornado or funnel cloud.
- The receipt of a tornado warning, issued by the
National Weather Service, indicating that Lake Forest is
in the direct path of an active tornado.
- Any other emergency incident that the Lake Forest
Police or Fire Department believes is important to the
safety of the residents.
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