Alton Police Department

05/14/2026

We are grateful for community partners like Sacred Spaces of CARE who continue to support the wellness of our officers and dispatchers. 💙

Recently, Sacred Spaces of CARE hosted a wellness day at The Sports Barn, giving members of our department an opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend time together away from the daily stresses of the job. Events like this highlight the importance of caring for our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing — both on and off duty.

We appreciate the continued support for law enforcement wellness and the important conversations surrounding mental health, peer support, and breaking the stigma.

Thank you to Sacred Spaces of CARE for investing in those who serve our community every day.

05/14/2026

Check out this interview with Megan from Sacred Spaces of CARE!

Megan Tyler heads up Sacred Spaces of Care and stops by Let's Talk for an update. We hear about how and why the group started, who they help, and how that mission has changed since forming in 2023. Catch the entire conversation here: https://bit.ly/4dgWs77

05/12/2026

Zero Excuses: “Click It or Ticket” Campaign Underway for Memorial Day

ALTON, IL — The Alton Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across Illinois for the 2026 “Click It or Ticket” campaign, running May 15–26 during the busy Memorial Day travel period.

“Buckle up every trip, every time,” said Jarrett Ford. “Seat belts save lives, and we are committed to keeping our roads safe.”

Officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement day and night, focusing on seat belt violations. Motorists who fail to buckle up can expect to be stopped and ticketed.

Illinois law requires all drivers and passengers to wear seat belts. While seat belt usage increased to 93% in 2025, unrestrained fatalities remain a serious concern — especially during nighttime hours.

The “Click It or Ticket” initiative is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.

Illinois Department of Transportation

05/11/2026

This week, the members of the Alton Police Department proudly recognize National Police Week 2026. 🇺🇸💙

National Police Week is a time to honor the brave men and women across our country who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, while also recognizing the dedication and service of law enforcement officers serving our communities every day.

This year, three members of the Alton Police Department are traveling to Washington, D.C. to take part in Police Week events alongside fellow area officers and members of MustacheMarch4PD. Together, they will honor the fallen, support surviving families, and stand united with law enforcement agencies from across the nation.

We are grateful for the service, sacrifice, and commitment of all officers who wear the badge with honor.

Please join us in remembering those we have lost and supporting those who continue to serve.

05/08/2026

This week, we proudly recognize National Corrections Officer Week and honor the dedicated Correctional Officers who serve our department and community each day.

Our Correctional Officers play a vital role in maintaining safety, security, and professionalism within our facility. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but their commitment and dedication never go unnoticed.

This week, our COs were presented with a special gift basket through a collaboration with Sacred Spaces of CARE as a small token of appreciation for everything they do.

Thank you to Sacred Spaces of CARE for supporting our team, and thank you to all Correctional Officers for your hard work, sacrifice, and service to our community.

05/06/2026

A big thank you to the staff at Best Western for stopping by the Alton Police Department with doughnuts today! 🍩

Acts of kindness like this mean a great deal to our officers and staff. We truly appreciate the continued support from our community partners and local businesses.

Thank you again for thinking of us and helping brighten our day!

05/04/2026

Support a Great Cause Today 🍽️

Today is the day to give back while grabbing a meal.

The Alton Police Department is proud to share a fundraiser for Sacred Spaces of CARE. Your meal can make a difference in our community.

How to help:

* Order online anytime today using code FUND4U
* Or visit in person from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
* Show the flyer when you order

Every purchase helps support important services for those in need.

Stop by, spread the word, and support a great cause.

Sacred Spaces of CARE

05/01/2026

Alton Police Department’s Partnership with SIUE Continues to Enhance Public Safety Through Technology and Transparency

ALTON, IL — Chief Jarrett Ford of the Alton Police Department is proud to announce that the department’s partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and Professor Dennis Mares continues to strengthen public safety and improve transparency through innovative technology.

Through this collaboration, the Alton Police Department has been working to develop and expand a network of strategically placed surveillance cameras and license plate reader (LPR) systems throughout the community. These tools are designed to assist officers in preventing and investigating crime, identifying suspect vehicles, and enhancing overall situational awareness in key areas across the city.

“This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to policing,” said Chief Ford. “By working with SIUE and Professor Mares, we are leveraging research-based strategies and modern technology to better protect our community while also increasing transparency with the public we serve.”

In addition to the camera network, the partnership has led to the creation of an interactive public data dashboard, now accessible through the Alton Police Department’s website. This dashboard provides residents with direct access to crime statistics in a user-friendly format.

Key features of the dashboard include:

• An interactive mapping system that visually displays reported incidents in Alton
• The ability to view crime data over customizable time periods
• Options to filter and analyze data by specific types of crime

This initiative allows community members to stay informed about public safety trends and fosters a greater understanding of policing efforts in Alton.

“Transparency is a critical component of modern policing,” Chief Ford added. “By making this information readily available, we are empowering residents with knowledge and strengthening trust between the department and the community.”

The Alton Police Department remains committed to utilizing partnerships, innovation, and data-driven strategies to enhance public safety and quality of life for all residents.

The project is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Smart Policing Initiative grant program.

To access the public safety dashboard, visit the Alton Police Department’s website at
https://cityofaltonil.gov/alton-police/

05/01/2026

🍪 COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN ACTION 🍪

Yesterday, members from Aberdeen Terrace stopped by the Alton Police Department with cookies—and plenty of smiles to go with them!

Aberdeen Terrace is part of a network of community-based homes that provide care and support for individuals while promoting independence and inclusion. 

We appreciate the time they took to visit and brighten our day. Small acts like this make a big impact and remind us how strong our community truly is.

Thank you to everyone at Aberdeen Terrace for your kindness and support! 💙