October 29, 2021
Dear School Community Member:
The Park Ridge Police Department will be continuing their “Zero Tolerance Policy” this year during Halloween and “Mischief Night” (October 30th). This policy is very important for the safety of our children and the protection of private property. Parents have to take an active role in order for it to be successful.
Historically, the community experiences property damage as well as mischievous and criminal behavior by unsupervised juveniles and young adults on these nights. We have also had problems with juveniles congregating in large groups in some areas of town. Most property damage and criminal activity occurs when seemingly harmless pranks and behavior escalates and can get out of control. Parents should establish dialogue with their children about unacceptable behavior or more importantly not allow their children out without adult supervision. Parents should be aware of their child’s actions and behavior. Children leaving the home dressed in dark clothing and/or in possession of items such as eggs, shaving cream and other malicious items are historically a formula for trouble. This year we are recommending all parents to limit their children’s mischief to their own property. In the past, homes and moving vehicles have been the target of eggs, rocks and in some instances paintball guns. Toilet paper strewn across utility lines has also created visibility hazards which can easily lead to dangerous hazards for the motoring public and our children.
The standards that we will be enforcing this year include:
1. A Zero-Tolerance policy towards acts of criminal mischief, trespassing and aggressive behavior. Anyone found defacing or damaging private property will be brought down to headquarters and processed.
2. We will be confiscating all items, including toilet paper and shaving cream, from children who are wandering unsupervised on our streets. Names of all unsupervised juveniles will also be recorded.
3. Any children found with items we feel pose a significant threat to people or property will be brought down to headquarters and processed according to the law. These items include eggs, spray paint, paintball guns etc.
4. A strict 9:00 curfew will be enforced. Anyone in violation will be brought down to headquarters.
5. Anyone found driving carelessly/recklessly will be issued the appropriate motor vehicle summons.
We will be supplementing the normal patrol force throughout both “Mischief Night” and Halloween with additional officers to prevent criminal mischief, criminal activity, aggressive driving and to assure the safety of our children. It is important for parents and the Community to work in cooperation with the Park Ridge Police Department to deter this activity and make both Halloween and “Mischief Night” safe and enjoyable for all.
Respectfully,
Chief Joseph Madden
Park Ridge Police Department
