Winnebago Police Department - Illinois

10/31/2026

🎃 Happy Halloween, Village of Winnebago! 👻

It's that time of year again! Costumes, candy, decorations, and plenty of little ghosts and goblins out enjoying the evening. Our officers hope everyone has a fun and memorable Halloween!

As you head out tonight, here are a few friendly reminders to help keep everyone safe:

🧡 For parents and trick-or-treaters:

Make sure costumes are comfortable, fit properly, and allow children to see where they're going.
Add reflective material or carry a flashlight or glow stick to help everyone stay visible.
Stick to sidewalks whenever possible and use crosswalks when crossing streets.
An adult should accompany younger children, and older kids should stick with their friends.
Take a moment to check treats before enjoying them.

🚗 For drivers:

Slow down and be especially attentive in residential neighborhoods.
Watch for children crossing streets, particularly between parked vehicles.
Keep your eyes on the road and give yourself extra time to get where you're going.

🏡 For our residents:

Keep porches and walkways well lit and clear of obstacles.
Secure pets so they don't get startled by the extra activity.
If you're handing out treats, a little extra patience and a friendly smile go a long way!

Most importantly, look out for one another, enjoy the evening, and help make Halloween a great experience for everyone.

From all of us at the Winnebago Police Department, have a safe, happy, and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween! 🎃👻

We're glad to be part of this community, and we'll see you out there tonight!

10/29/2026

🚧 **ROAD WORK NOTICE** 🚧

Heads up, Village of Winnebago residents!

Paving work is scheduled to begin today on the 200 and 300 blocks of S. Swift Street and the 400 block of W. Soper Street.

📅 Tentative Schedule
- Thursday: Paving work begins
- Monday: Final lift of pavement
- Tuesday & Wednesday: Final restoration work

Please use caution when traveling through these areas and be mindful of workers and equipment. Temporary traffic delays and access disruptions may occur during the project.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as this work gets underway! 🚧

10/28/2026

On National First Responders Day, we want to recognize and thank all those who answer the call to serve others. From the firefighters and medics responding to emergencies, to the dispatchers coordinating help, corrections officers working behind the scenes, and law enforcement officers serving and protecting our communities, every role matters.

A special thank-you to our partners at the Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District, Sheriff Winnebago County, Illinois State Police Troop 1, Pecatonica Police Department, Village of Durand Police Department the many other agencies and professionals we work alongside. Whether we're responding to a call, backing each other up, or working together behind the scenes, we know that keeping our communities safe is a team effort.

Different uniforms. Same mission. One team.

We're fortunate to work with people who show up, step up, and look out for one another. Thank you for what you do, the sacrifices you make, and the partnerships that make us all better at serving our communities.

Happy National First Responders Day to all who serve! 👮‍♂️🚒🚑💙❤️

Happy National First Responders Day!

Different uniforms. Same mission.

Today, we recognize and thank all first responders for their dedication, courage, and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Our little town is blessed to have some of the best first responders who answer the call when you need us.

10/26/2026

🎃 HAPPY NATIONAL PUMPKIN DAY! 🎃

It’s October 26, and we’re officially entering the final stretch before Halloween! 🍂👻

We’ve got a full moon tonight 🌕, Halloween falling on Saturday, and we’ll be turning our clocks back an hour this weekend. Extra hour of sleep? We’ll take it!

Between the full moon, spooky season, and all the little ghosts and goblins out and about this weekend, it’s shaping up to be a frightfully fun week!

As always, please watch for trick-or-treaters, drive carefully, and help us keep Halloween safe for everyone. 🚔🍬

Stay safe, Winnebago!

(Yes, the pumpkin is AI. Our carving skills are ..... lacking)

10/14/2026

🚨 **SCAM ALERT** 🚨

The Ogle County Sheriff's Office has reported that this scam, or similar variations, has resurfaced and is targeting local residents.

**Remember: Law enforcement will never call you demanding payment over the phone to collect fees or settle a warrant.**

If you receive a suspicious call, do not send money or share personal or financial information. When in doubt, hang up and contact the agency directly using its official phone number.

Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbors to help keep our community informed and protected.

10/09/2026

Village of Winnebago public works will be flushing hydrants the week of October 12.

The Village of Winnebago Public Works Department will be flushing and flow testing fire hydrants, scheduled the week of October 12th. The fire hydrant flushing, and maintenance may take place at all hours.

Flushing the fire hydrant ensures their safe and reliable operation and removes the accumulation of natural deposits in the water mains. Flushing of mains may cause temporary discoloration of the water supplied to your home. This water is safe for drinking and cooking but may stain light colored clothes during washing. Please check your faucets and water fixtures for discoloration before starting your wash. If light colored clothes become stained, you may purchase a product called “Iron Out.” This product is available at local hardware stores. If you notice discoloration in your water, you can clear your system by simply running your water for a couple minutes.

Any questions should be directed to the Water Department or the Village Office at 335-2230 or 335-2020.

09/21/2026

More updates on road closures within the Village of Winnebago.

Send a message to learn more

09/18/2026

🚧 ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE – WATER MAIN WORK 🚧

Water main work will impact traffic in the following areas over the next two weeks within the Village of Winnebago:
• 200 & 300 blocks of S. Swift Street
• 300 block of W. Winnebago Street

09/11/2026

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001: Twenty-five years ago today, our nation was forever changed. On this 25th anniversary, the Winnebago Police Department remembers the innocent lives lost, the first responders who ran toward danger, and all those whose lives were forever impacted by the events of that day.

Today, we pause to honor their courage, their sacrifice, and their memory. 25 years later, we remember.

We honor. We never forget.

09/10/2026

🚔 START YOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER IN WINNEBAGO

The Village of Winnebago Police Department is now accepting applications for Entry-Level Police Officers - 2 positions currently open.

This is an opportunity to start a career with a department that values professionalism, community relationships, training, and taking care of its people.

💰 $59,077.20 Starting Salary

What we offer:

• 90% Village-paid health & dental insurance
• Paid overtime & holiday pay
• Night shift differential
• 12-hour shifts
• Every other three-day weekend (Friday–Sunday) off
• Initial uniforms & equipment provided
• Annual uniform allowance after the first year
• 2 weeks of vacation during your first year
• Annual sick leave accrual
• 2 personal days annually
• Overtime may be converted to comp time — up to 84 hours
• Annual cost-of-living & merit/wage increases
• Life & disability insurance
• IMRF retirement

Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications at the time of application:

• United States citizen or lawful permanent resident
• At least 21 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Illinois driver's license
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid FOID
• No felony convictions or disqualifying misdemeanor convictions
• Good moral character and demonstrated integrity

👮 THE HIRING PROCESS

Qualified applicants will participate in written testing in October 2026.

Candidates who successfully complete the written examination will be invited to participate in the POWER test. Those who successfully pass both the written and POWER tests will advance to the interview process.

Successful candidates will continue through the background investigation, psychological examination, and medical examination before appointment.

If you're ready to build a career in law enforcement and become part of a department that is Watchful. Professional. Dedicated.

We want to hear from you.

📍 Village of Winnebago Police Department
📋 Entry-Level Police Officer
💰 Starting Salary: $59,077.20
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

https://www.villageofwinnebago.com/police-department/job-opening/entry-level-police-officer