NLPD | Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is considered the backbone of the New Lenox Police Department.  The Patrol Division is the most visible section of the police department, providing around the clock service to the citizens and visitors of the Village of New Lenox.  They are the uniformed officers who provide the first line of defense for the public's safety.  Each law enforcement patrol officer works to protect life & property, uphold the civil rights of individuals, preserve public peace, provide citizen assistance, enforce criminal and motor vehicle laws, and responds to emergency situations.  These are dedicated and committed professionals who place their lives and well-being in jeopardy for the citizens of New Lenox on a daily basis.  Almost daily, these proud professionals face danger and perform acts of heroism and kindness in our community. If you would like to recognize exceptional service please complete the Employee Commendation Form.

The men and women of the Patrol Division are responsible for enforcing state and municipal laws and regulations designed to protect life and property.  They maintain order in an assigned beat, patrol the Village to preserve the peace and prevent crime, take criminal reports, and interview witnesses and suspects.  They are also responsible for collecting evidence and giving testimony in court.  Their duties include directing traffic, issuing traffic citations, investigating accidents, and making arrests. New Lenox Police Officers participate in Enhanced Neighborhood Watch, a community policing program, because they recognize that partnerships with the community will enhance the quality of life in the Village of New Lenox. The Patrol Division is under the supervision of Commander Dennis Klier.    

The New Lenox Police Department also has an active Juvenile Division that is staffed by six Juvenile Officers. The Juvenile Division coordinates a Peer Jury Program which allows a new approach to dealing with juvenile delinquents.  Peer Jury is for non-violent juvenile offenders.  Juvenile offenders are assigned to a hearing in front of a jury of their peers.  In addition, the victim is invited to participate either in person or in writing.   This program presents an alternative for juveniles rather than referring them to a traditional court system. Youth courts encourage young people to help each other and enhance their community. These officers can be contacted at 815-485-3188 with any questions regarding case adjudication or the Peer Jury Program.  For an application or more information on Peer Jury click the Peer Jury Fact Sheet/Application Form. 

Most likely, the first person you will see when you are in need of police assistance will be the patrol officer.  The men and women of the New Lenox Police Department’s Patrol Division take great pride in serving the citizens of New Lenox.  Patrol officers handle a multitude of calls during their shift.  During the course of one week, a single officer might be dispatched to burglaries, robberies, assaults, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, sex assault, medical aid, noise complaints, prowlers, traffic accidents, drunk drivers, drug-dealing incidents, and panic alarms.  To say the Patrol Division’s Officers have to be well-trained is an understatement.

The Patrol Division currently consists of 23 officers and 4 Sergeants.   Additionally, the Division is assigned one K-9 Officer, two Traffic Unit Officers, and two Community Service Officers.  The New Lenox Police Department has recently initiated a Motorcycle Patrol Unit, and continues to support a Bicycle Patrol Unit, All Terrain Vehicle Unit, as well as the Evidence and Recovered Property Section.  Patrol officers work three or four twelve hour shifts with two overlapping shifts, to ensure that the Village is properly manned at all times. 

The New Lenox Police Department subscribes to the belief that a well-trained officer will better serve his community, so our officers receive an extensive amount of training every year.  Officers receive at least eight hours of in-service training each month.  Annually, officers receive regular training and certification in areas such as, firearms, arrest control techniques, self-defense techniques, crowd (riot) control, pursuit and emergency driving, less than lethal weaponry, and physical fitness. 

The New Lenox Police Department is committed to hiring the "Best and the Brightest" police officer candidates.  To that end, when hiring potential police officers, the department utilizes an intense and thorough recruitment, screening and testing process.  Police recruits are required to complete an intense multi-phased "Field Training Program" under the guidance of veteran field training officers.  Recruits are required to pass each phase of the field training program.  We believe this process has produced a police department the citizens of New Lenox can be proud of.   If you are considering a career in law enforcement with the New Lenox Police Department we suggest you complete the New Patrol Officer Notification Form and return to the New Lenox Police and Fire Commission to be notified of upcoming testing dates.  

Police Department Divisions include: Administration, Records, Patrol, Community Policing, and Criminal Investigations.