Alton Police Department

10/17/2026

🍪 A Sweet Thank You!

The Alton Police Department would like to thank 1st MidAmerica Credit Union for dropping off cookies for our officers and staff this week!

We appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the kindness shown to our department. Thank you for thinking of us and helping make our week a little sweeter!

10/16/2026

Today, October 16, 2026, the Alton Police Department honors and remembers Patrolman August Mayford, who was killed in the line of duty on this date in 1937.

Patrolman Mayford was abducted and murdered after interrupting a group of burglars while making his rounds. When he failed to check in, fellow officers began searching for him. Fifteen days later, on Halloween, his body was discovered in a cornfield near Edwardsville. He had been beaten and shot eight times in the back.

Patrolman Mayford served the Alton Police Department for 18 years. He was a husband, a father of two, and a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the community he served.

Eighty-nine years later, we remember Patrolman August Mayford and honor his service, his sacrifice, and his place in the history of our department. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

10/16/2026

10/14/2026

Recognizing Our Federal Law Enforcement Partners 🇺🇸

On Friday, October 9, the U.S. Marshals Service hosted a Task Force Officer Appreciation Day to recognize the dedicated officers who work alongside federal law enforcement to apprehend fugitives and reduce violent crime.

Detective Sergeant PJ Bennett of the Alton Police Department serves as a member of the U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force for the Southern District of Illinois. During the event, the department was presented with a commemorative plaque in recognition of its unwavering support and commitment to reducing violent crime throughout the district.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Honorable David Davis, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Marshals Service for this recognition and for their continued partnership with our department.

Strong partnerships between local and federal law enforcement agencies are essential to keeping our communities safe and holding violent offenders accountable.

10/12/2026

🍪 A Sweet Thank You!

We would like to thank Upper Alton Baptist Church for dropping off some delicious baked goods yesterday!

We appreciate the thoughtful gesture and the kindness shown to our officers and staff. Acts like these mean a lot and are always appreciated.

Thank you for thinking of us and for taking the time to brighten our day! 💙

10/09/2026

👏 Thank You, Chaplain Marc Lane!

Yesterday, the Alton Police Department presented Senior Chaplain Marc Lane with a plaque recognizing his 15 years of dedicated service to our department.

Sworn in on January 26, 2011, as APD’s first Police Chaplain, Marc has been a constant source of faith, encouragement, compassion, and support for our officers and their families. From countless ride-alongs with patrol officers to standing beside our personnel during some of life’s most difficult moments, Marc has always been willing to listen, pray, and be there when needed.

With more than 25 years of experience in criminal justice chaplaincy, Marc has dedicated much of his life to serving others and supporting those who serve our communities.

Chief Jarrett Ford shared these words of appreciation:

“On behalf of the men and women of the Alton Police Department, I want to sincerely thank Chaplain Marc Lane for 15 years of dedicated service as our Senior Police Chaplain. Throughout those years, Chaplain Lane has been a constant source of faith, encouragement, compassion, and support for our officers and their families, often standing beside them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His willingness to serve, listen, pray, and simply be there when he was needed has made a lasting difference within our department. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to our officers and for the many ways he has faithfully served the Alton Police Department over the past 15 years.”

Marc, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your compassion, and the lasting difference you have made in the lives of our officers and their families. We are grateful for all you have done for APD and our community over the past 15 years! 💙

10/08/2026

Building Connections, One Smile at a Time! 👮‍♂️

On Tuesday, Officer Shain stopped by Riverbend Head Start for a meet-and-greet with the kids!

Visits like these give children an opportunity to meet a police officer, ask questions, and get to know the people who serve and protect their community. Most importantly, they help build positive relationships and show our youngest residents that police officers are here to help.

Thank you to Riverbend Head Start for welcoming Officer Shain and giving us the opportunity to spend time with these awesome kids!

10/07/2026

🎃 APPROACHING QUICKLY: APD TRUNK-OR-TREAT! 👻

Join the Alton Police Department and Sacred Spaces of CARE for our 4th Annual APD Trunk-or-Treat! 🍬

Bring the family out for a morning of Halloween fun, candy, costumes, and community spirit. This event is open to everyone, and we look forward to seeing you there!

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍 1700 E. Broadway, Alton, IL

🚔 Want to host a trunk? We’re looking for community partners to join the fun! Contact Megan at 618-463-3516 for more information.

Mark your calendars, pick out your costumes, and come celebrate Halloween with us! 🎃🍭

10/06/2026

💧 HYDRATE FOR HEROES 💧

For the fourth year in a row, our friends at Home Depot have helped keep Alton Police officers hydrated by donating two pallets of bottled water to our department!

Home Depot employees collect and save water donations throughout the year before making this annual donation to local first responders. We are grateful they continue to think of the men and women who serve our community.

Thank you to the entire Home Depot team for your generosity and continued support of the Alton Police Department! We appreciate you! 👏