Centralia Illinois Police Department

06/07/2026

Two more very generous sponsors for our FOP Shop with a Cop golf scramble.
Thank you Kretzers and Locust Street Pub for being our Lunch Sponsor
Thank you Jerry’s Grill and Bar for being a Gold Sponsor.

05/29/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17izEgZqLC/

05/29/2026

NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 05/29/2026

For Information, Contact: Lieutenant Steve Whritenour
Phone Number: 618-533-7602
Email: [email protected]

Centralia PD reports successful Memorial Day ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign

Centralia, IL — Centralia PD today announced the results of its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign aimed at increasing seat belt use and keeping roads safe during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“Thanks to the efforts of our officers, more drivers and passengers were reminded to buckle up, helping to prevent injuries and save lives,” said Lieutenant Whritenour. “Every citation and safety check reinforces the message that seat belts work.”

During the campaign, Centralia PD took the following actions:
· (24) seat belt citations issued.
· (1) child car seat citation.
· (2) DUI arrests.
· (8 ) felony arrests.
· (1) fugitive apprehended.
· (9) suspended/revoked license actions.
· (16) speeding citations.
· (3) distracted driving citations.
· (40) citations for other traffic offenses.
· (10) drug arrests.
· (1) endangering the life/health of a child arrest.
· (2) weapons arrests.

The campaign’s success reflects law enforcement's commitment to roadway safety and reinforces the message that buckling up saves lives.

The “Click It or Ticket” initiative is funded with federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. For more information on safe driving practices, visit ItsNotaGameIllinois.com.

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There are no extra lives, no respawns, and no second chances to get it right. Drive sober or get pulled over.

05/27/2026

Three more sponsors for our annual Shop with a Cop golf tournament on June 6th.
Smittys Auto Body Gold Sponsor
EPOC Silver Sponsor
State Farm-Jack Graham Silver Sponsor

05/27/2026

05/22/2026

During the past several months, as many are aware, we have been working with the Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC) Deflection Team. During this same period, meetings have also taken place to connect members of TASC with some of our outstanding Centralia and regional community-based organizations which include Community Resource Center (CRC), BCMW, Chamber of Commerce, One Hope (Mt. Vernon), All Hours of Love, Marion County Housing Authority and United Way.

The purpose was to connect many organizations together to better serve those in need in our community. Sheriff Cripps (MCSO) and Chief Rose (Salem PD) are also very involved with TASC, making this a unified approach in the county.

The deflection efforts of TASC were expanded and enhanced under “Partners for Progress” which was launched earlier this year. This was done to recognize the many organizations that partner together to those in need.

A recent Partners for Progress initiative is their Hygiene Drive to gather items through donations to provide those who are in need. We are proud to assist in this effort by placing a receptacle in the lobby of the Centralia Police Department, 222 South Poplar Street for donated items which will be provided to TASC.

A list of requested items include:
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Body wash & hand soap
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Razors
• Feminine hygiene products
• Towels & washcloths / Wet wipes
• Nail clippers
• Granola bars & shelf-stable snacks
• Water
• (New, travel-size items preferred)

05/21/2026

Chief Locke and Detective Jader attended a portion of the TASC Deflection Training Retreat at Illinois State University. This statewide training brought together deflection teams to address a range of topics, including strategies for implementing TASC Deflection within police departments, fostering acceptance, and building support among officers and the community to better serve individuals in need.

Detective Jader was also invited to participate in a law enforcement panel discussion, where officers engaged in a question-and-answer session on best practices and challenges associated with program implementation. Other participating agencies included Springfield, Quincy, Granite City, Lincoln, and Kewanee.

We extend our appreciation to our Deflection Team partners for the invitation and for their continued dedication to serving our community and communities across the state.

05/19/2026

Green St Road to close East of Central City

Due to the heavy rain, we have received word the gates will be opened on Raccoon Lake. Marion County Highway Department will close Green Street Road between Brick Hill Road and Brewery Hill Road. The roadway will be closing within the next hour or so. WATCH FOR SIGNS. Turn around don't drown!Sheriff Kevin Cripps