Harvard Police Department

09/01/2026

The Harvard Police Department's 2026 Citizen Police Academy is now taking applications!

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work in law enforcement? Curious about how police officers make decisions, investigate crimes, handle traffic stops, or respond to emergencies?

The 2026 Harvard Police Department Citizen Police Academy will be kicking off this October! This is a great opportunity for community members to get an inside look at the day-to-day operations of your police department, meet the officers who serve our community, and build stronger partnerships through education and open communication.

Our 2026 CPA is open to Harvard Residents only. Must be 18 years of age and able to pass a background check. We look forward to another great academy and hope you'll consider joining us for this unique experience.

Please visit https://www.cityofharvard.org/police/page/citizens-police-academy
for more information and to download the application. Applications are due by September 18th at 3:00pm.

08/28/2026

08/26/2026

Congratulations, Chief Carmen Sacco

The City of Harvard, Illinois and the Harvard Police Department are proud to congratulate Carmen Sacco on his appointment as the next Chief of Police for the City of Harvard.

Chief Sacco joined the Harvard Police Department in September 2014. Throughout his career with the department, he has served as a Patrolman and Detective before being promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief in May 2022. He has served as Deputy Chief with distinction and has now been appointed Chief of Police following last night’s City Council meeting.

Chief Sacco’s years of service, experience, leadership, and commitment to the Harvard community have prepared him well for this new responsibility.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Carmen Sacco on his appointment as Chief of Police and wishing him continued success as he leads the Harvard Police Department into the future.

08/26/2026

Congratulations to the Harvard Police Department’s new Chief of Police Carmen Sacco.

Chief Sacco was confirmed and sworn in tonight at the City Council meeting.

08/21/2026

Chief Tyson Bauman goes “10-42” (end of tour/duty) for the final time, after 28 years serving the City of Harvard.

08/21/2026

A Final Thank You

Today marks my last working day with the Harvard Police Department, although I will be taking some vacation time before my retirement is officially complete.

After 28 years with the City of Harvard, beginning my career as a civilian employee and spending the past 26 years as a Police Officer, I will officially retire from the Harvard Police Department.

It is difficult to put 28 years of memories, friendships, challenges, accomplishments, and experiences into a single post. This department and this community have been a very important part of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Harvard.

To the community of Harvard, thank you for your support, trust, encouragement, and friendship throughout the years. It has truly been an honor to serve you.

To my fellow officers, dispatchers, civilian employees, and everyone I've had the privilege of working alongside, both here at the Harvard Police Department and throughout my law enforcement career, thank you. The friendships and relationships I've made over the years are something I will carry with me long after I turn in my badge.

And to all of my law enforcement friends, past and present, here in Illinois and across the country, thank you for the brotherhood, camaraderie, laughs, support, and memories. Law enforcement isn't just a job, it becomes a part of who you are, and I am proud to have been part of this profession for the past 26 years.

There have been a lot of changes over the years, but one thing that never changed was the privilege of serving this community.

Thank you, Harvard. It has been an honor.

Now it's time to start the next chapter.

Stay safe, take care of each other, and I'll see you around town.

— Chief Tyson Bauman
Harvard Police Department

08/20/2026

08/17/2026

Please see the below Press Release regarding the incident that occurred in Harvard around 2:14pm this afternoon.

08/12/2026

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Officer Mitchell Hopkins, who was sworn in today as a new member of our police force!

Officer Hopkins will report to the Police Training Institute (PTI) in Champaign on August 30, 2026, for 16 weeks of intensive police training. We're thrilled to have him on board and look forward to the positive impact he'll make.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Hopkins on this important milestone in his new career!

08/12/2026

Our new radar speed trailer has officially been deployed and is currently on 2nd Street. Be on the lookout and, more importantly, be mindful of your speed.

As a reminder, all City of Harvard streets are 30 MPH unless otherwise posted.

Have you ever stood along the side of the road and thought, “That car has to be going faster than 30!”? Sometimes it certainly looks that way. When you’re standing still and a vehicle is traveling past you, your perception of its speed can be deceiving. A vehicle traveling at the posted 30 MPH speed limit can appear much faster simply because you are stationary and the vehicle is moving relative to you.

That said, 30 MPH is still 30 MPH, and we ask everyone to obey the posted speed limits and remain alert.

With Harvard schools back in session, please remember:

• Obey posted speed limits. (Especially school zones! 20mph!)
• Obey the stop signs and red lights displayed by school buses.
• Always watch for children at crosswalks and intersections.
• Be especially alert for children walking or riding bicycles near the roadway.
• Please slow down and give our crossing guard at Division and Harrison plenty of room. Their safety matters, too. Reminder you cannot turn east bound onto Harrison St from southbound if Division! It’s posted!

Let’s work together to make sure our kids, crossing guards, pedestrians, and motorists all get where they’re going safely.

Slow down. Stay alert. Watch for our kids