Benton IL Police Department

06/17/2026

Thank you to the Women on Mission at Immanuel Baptist Church for your thoughtfulness and continued support of the Benton Police Department.

We appreciate the cookies! They were delicious!

05/20/2026

Thank you to Hatchett Rejuvenation Medical Office for providing lunch to our officers today. We appreciate your thoughtfulness! The pizza was delicious!

04/25/2026

A big thank you to Derek Wilkey for stopping by and bringing us some food. We appreciate you!

04/17/2026

In observance of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we want to say Thank you for all you do for the community and us! We appreciate each and everyone of you!

We’d like to extend our thanks to the Benton IL Police Department for the delicious donuts delivered to our Communications staff today. Your kindness and support during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is truly appreciated!

📸: Officer James Williamson, TC Tracy King & Administrative Assistant Karastin Sheedy.

04/17/2026

A huge thank you to AZR Provisions and the Edge program for delivering some delicious food to the Officers this week! We appreciate your kindness.

Check out their page and see what a wonderful thing he is creating! Good luck on your upcoming business launch!

03/05/2026

*** Press Release***

On 3/04/2026 at approximately 11:26 pm, Benton Police assisted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, responded to a report of a gunshot striking a house in the 400 Block of N. 10th Street, Benton, IL.

Upon arrival a house located across the street was on fire. Officers attempted to gain entry into the house on fire but were prevented from entering the residence due to the amount of smoke.

Neighbors were evacuated for their safety during this time.

Once the Benton Fire Department extinguished the fire, our Officers along with the Fire Department, conducted a search of the residence. The resident of the home was found deceased with multiple fi****ms near him. His name is being withheld at this time until family members are contacted.

No further injuries were reported.

The Illinois State Police Crime Scene was called out to process the scene. Evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing pending an autopsy by the Franklin County Coroner’s Office.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, Illinois State Fire Marshal, Benton Fire Department, West Frankfort Fire Department, and West City Fire Department assisted.

There is no danger to the public at this time.

Chief Chris A. Funkhouser

01/29/2026

Sheriff Kyle Bacon and Benton Police Chief Chris Funkhouser are proud to announce that Deputy Lance Cockrum and Officer Brian Cunningham have been presented with Life Saving Awards for their quick thinking and decisive actions on October 25, 2025. Their actions directly resulted in saving the life of an individual in mental health crisis.

On October 25th, 2025 Officer Cunningham was dispatched to a residence in Benton regarding the report of an individual taking significant steps to harm themselves. Deputy Cockrum overheard the radio call and he too responded. As both arrived on scene they soon located an unresponsive person near the front porch of the residence. Relying on their training, they immediately initiated life saving measures. Within minutes, EMS, fire, and first responder personnel arrived to assist. The individual was soon stabilized and transported for treatment.

The actions taken by Deputy Cockrum and Officer Cunningham represent the highest standards of public service. Their prompt and decisive response under pressure directly saved a life. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and loyalty to our communities.

12/15/2025

On December 19th, we are having our annual shop with a cop! 🎄🚔

The Benton Police Department is accepting donations for our annual Shop with a Cop program. All donations can accepted at the police department!

This program helps provide local children with a brighter holiday season by pairing them with officers for a special shopping experience!

Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and go directly toward supporting children in our community. Thank you for your continued support and generosity! 💙🚔

12/05/2025

The Benton Police Department is excited to welcome and congratulate our newest Officers, James Williamson and Sydney Henson.

Williamson and Henson are gaduates of Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy, as of 12/5/2025.
They will began field training at the police department next week. After completing a 14 week field training program, they will then begin solo patrol.

We’re grateful to have them serving our community and look forward to the positive impact they will make!🚔

10/31/2025

Come on by the Police Department!! Grab some candy, and a quick pic! 🎃👻