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Where is the police station located?
The police station is at 410 Green Bay Road , just north of Willow Road , and approximately one block south of the Winnetka Village Hall. It is immediately south of the Winnetka Fire Department. The Police Station is open 24 hours every day.

Can I have or use Pellet, Paintball, Air-soft, CO2 or BB guns in Winnetka ?
You may not discharge any such device on public property or when the projectile leaves your property. They also may not be possessed by anyone under the age of 13.

When should I call 9-1-1?
Dial 9-1-1 for emergency police, fire or paramedic service, as well as any time that you need a police car dispatched. When you call 9-1-1 please stay on the line with the dispatcher if possible.

Where can motorized scooters be operated?
The operation of motor driven scooters and other ""mini motorcycles" or mini bikes on other than private property is prohibited by the Illinois Vehicle Code.  Additionally, the Cook County Board has enacted an ordinance banning motor driven scooters in Cook County.

Not only are motorized scooters and mini bikes dangerous due to their small size and limited power, but unless they can be licensed by the State as motor driven cycles or motor vehicles, they cannot be legally operated on any public highway, street, sidewalk, alley or on the public way.  Persons operating these devices can be ticketed. Visit the Cook County Sheriff's Department Web Site for more information.  

What is the curfew for juveniles?
The State Statutory curfew for young people under the age of 17 is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12 midnight on Friday and Saturday year around.

When is construction activity allowed?
It is unlawful for any person to permit or engage in any construction activity, or to operate or permit the operation of power equipment such as any pile driver, power shovel, pneumatic hammer or derrick, or to operate or permit the operation of any motor vehicle in relation to any such activities at any location in the Village of Winnetka

1. on Sundays and holidays,
2. before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on Saturdays, or before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on all other days.

Should bicycles be registered with the police department?
Residents are encouraged to register their bicycles with the Winnetka Police Department for easy identification in the event they are lost or stolen. Bicycles can be registered at the police station ( 410 Green Bay Road ) or by completing and submitting to the department, the application form that is available on line. If submitting a registration application by mail we will return your registration sticker by mail. There is no charge for bicycle registration.

Should I let the police department know that I will be out of town?
When making vacation plans, and whenever a house will be unoccupied for a period of time, residents are urged to contact the Winnetka Police Department at 847-501-6034 to request that their home be placed on its "House Watch List."

Is it possible to schedule a tour of the police station?
Tours of the Winnetka Police station can be arranged for Scouting and school groups by calling 847-501-6034. Due to operations needs, tours for parties and other private functions cannot be accommodated.

What can I do to ensure that my home/business is secure?
Contact the Winnetka Police Department's Investigations Unit at 847-501-6034 and request a security check of your residence or business. There is no charge for this service.

What about the wildlife in Winnetka and environs?
Wild animals are considered to be indigenous to our area and generally are beyond the responsibility of the Village animal control program. However, the Winnetka Police Department will provide assistance on those occasions when wild animals enter the living space of a residence and pose a threat to persons.

Wild animals in eaves, walls, under decks, in garages, etc. are not considered to be a threat and, according to Village policy, cannot be handled by the police. When their presence in these areas poses a problem, members of the police department will gladly provide information and suggestions for relocating them but it is the homeowners' responsibility to deal with the animals or contract with a private pest control company.

For more information click on Living with Wildlife in Illinois.

Are there restrictions on the use of leaf blowers?
In Winnetka , the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers - whether backpack-mounted, wheel-mounted or hand held - is restricted by Village Ordinance. This ordinance also applies to gasoline powered generators used to power electric blowers.

From October 1 through May 31, Monday through Friday inclusive, gasoline-powered leaf blowers may not be used before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays they may not be used before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

From June 1 through September 30, the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers is prohibited at all times.

If you employ landscapers, please make sure that they are aware of Winnetka's leaf blower ordinance. Violators will be ticketed.

Winnetka's leaf blower restrictions do not apply to golf course lawn upkeep activities, to employees of the Village working on road maintenance, or to electric leaf blowers plugged into normal electric outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions about False Alarms

What is a False Alarm?
Village Ordinance # 8.04: "False alarm" means the erroneous activation of an alarm system through mechanical failure, malfunction, improper installation, or the mistake of the alarm system user or the user's agents, but excluding the activation of an alarm system by such natural or violent conditions as tornadoes, earthquakes, fire or lightning.

What are the False Alarm Fees?
The Village of Winnetka, by Village Ordinance # 8.04, levies fees for false burglar alarms. The fees are assessed for false alarms within a 12 month period. The period restarts on January 1 of every year.

The fees are assessed as follows:

Contact the Winnetka Fire Department for Fire Alarm fees and billing.

Why am I getting a bill when there is no fee charged?
The Winnetka Police Department Records Section sends out notices after responding to all received false alarms, including those that do not result in a False Alarm Fee. The first two false alarms of each 12-month period (Restarting on January 1 of each year) are not charged. The police department still sends out invoices notifying you of the responses, even though you do not owe money for them. This way, if you receive an invoice for the 3rd or 4th alarm in the billing period you will be aware of prior calls.

I didn’t know the Police responded to my home or business.
Police Officers and/or Dispatchers make efforts to contact the owner or keyholder upon responding to all alarms but their efforts are not always successful. Check with your alarm company to make sure that your contact list is up-to-date. If your alarm comes directly to the police department panel make sure that contact information is kept current. Occasionally officers will leave notes at the residence if no one could be contacted otherwise or if a door was found open.

How do I pay Alarm Invoices?
Please address all invoice payments to the Village of Winnetka and send to the Village Hall at 510 Green Bay Road. Please write the invoice number on the check so that your account is credited correctly.

You do not need to return an invoice that shows no fee assessed (“Fee Assessed: $0.00”).

Who do I call if I have questions about False Alarms?
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Winnetka Police Records section at 847-501-6034, press option # 2.

Winnetka Police Department
Records Section
410 Green Bay Road
Winnetka IL 60093
847-501-6034