Special Programs

Walk and Talk Detail

Washington Police Officers routinely will stop by various locations within the community, such as shopping areas, parks and neighborhoods to engage our residents in dialogue to ensure that all is well. They have been trained to work with our residents to identify and solve problems and concerns as they come up. This detail has been instrumental in establishing a positive, proactive relationship between the Washington Police Department and the community.

Vacation House Checks

Vacation House Watch is a service offered to our residents by the Washington Police Department. This service, offered free of charge, helps protect the homes of our residents while they are away on business or travel. Our Police Officers will inspect homes periodically to help ensure their security. To enroll in this service, call the Telecommunications Center at (309) 444-2313 and provide the on-duty telecommunicator with the information regarding your home or property and we will place you home on our Vacation House Check list.

Service Unit For The Salvation Army

The Washington Police Department has been a service unit for the Heartland Division of the Salvation Army since 1993. This program was established to assist individuals (or families) in need of food or assistance. This assistance is typically provided to people who are traveling and become stranded in Washington. We can, however, be called on to assist citizens of Washington in the event of a fire or eviction. For more information regarding this program, please contact the Front Desk at the Washington Police Department at (309) 444-1110.

Stuffed Animal Program

This program was initiated in October of 1993 with the assistance of the Men’s Club at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, Illinois. Washington Police Officers may give a stuffed animal to young children involved in serious incidents relating to child abuse, major traffic accidents, or other traumatic events. The intent of the gift is to help the child through the investigative or police recording processes. The stuffed animal gives the child a feeling of confidence, security and provides a vehicle for bonding between the officer and the child during a time of trauma or crisis.