Highland, IL Police Department

05/18/2026

During EMS Week, the Highland Police Department would like to thank our EMS professionals for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving our community.

Your professionalism and quick response make a difference every single day. We are proud to work alongside you in keeping our citizens safe. Thank you for all that you do!

05/04/2026

On this day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Highland Firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect our community. Your service, sacrifice, and courage do not go unnoticed.

It is a privilege to serve with you!

Today, May 4th, we recognize International Firefighters Day — a day to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities.
Firefighters answer the call at all hours, facing dangerous and unpredictable situations with courage, dedication, and selflessness. Whether it’s responding to fires, medical emergencies, rescues, or community needs, they are always ready to serve.
Take a moment today to thank a firefighter, past or present, for their commitment and sacrifice. Your support means more than you know.
Stay safe, and thank you to all firefighters for everything you do. 🚒🔥

05/01/2026

It was an honor to be a part of such an important day!

04/30/2026

Community Notice: City Wide Yard Sale

The City Wide Yard Sale will take place from April 30 through May 3 throughout the community.

Because this is a City Wide event, the City’s sign ordinance will be temporarily relaxed to allow residents to place yard sale signage during the event dates.

Please keep the following safety guidelines in mind when placing signs:

• Signs are NOT permitted in any roundabouts throughout town.

• Signs may not block or obstruct the view of drivers at intersections, roadways, or driveways.

• Please place signs responsibly to help keep our streets safe for both drivers and pedestrians.

All yard sale signs must be removed no later than Monday morning at 8:00 a.m.

Thank you for your cooperation, and we hope everyone enjoys the City Wide Yard Sale!

04/13/2026

Spring Has Sprung in Our Community!

As the weather warms up, we’re excited to see everyone getting outside and enjoying our parks, neighborhoods, and playgrounds. With that in mind, here are a few important reminders to help keep our community safe and looking its best:

• Please be respectful of public spaces, including parks and school playgrounds

• Bicycles and E-bikes can damage new playground surfaces and equipment—please keep them off playground areas

• Treat all public property and equipment with care so everyone can enjoy it

• Drive with caution—children are playing outside more frequently this time of year

• Watch for increased foot traffic, joggers, and cyclists in neighborhoods and near parks

• Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them

• Stay hydrated and take breaks during outdoor activities, especially on warmer days

• Never leave children or pets in vehicles—even for a short time

• Secure vehicles and remove valuables as more people are out and about

A little consideration goes a long way in keeping our community safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for doing your part!

04/02/2026

Scam Alert: Fake Parking/Toll Violation Text Messages
The Highland Police Department is warning residents about a recent text message scam claiming to be from Cook County regarding an unpaid parking/toll violation.

These messages may appear official, but they are not legitimate citations.

Here are a few key things to watch for:

• The message may include images of the State of Illinois seal or the Cook County seal to appear credible

• If you look closely at these seals, you will notice they are counterfeit, often blurry, distorted, or incorrect in detail
• The message may demand immediate payment or threaten penalties
• It often includes a suspicious link to “pay” the citation
Important reminder: Legitimate parking tickets and violations are not issued via text message.

If you receive one of these messages:

• Do not click any links
• Do not provide personal or payment information
• Delete the text message immediately

These scams are designed to create urgency and trick individuals into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

If you have any questions or believe you may have been targeted, please contact the Highland Police Department.

Please share this information to help protect others in our community.

https://www.highlandil.gov/news_detail_T14_R534.php

03/25/2026

Community Assistance Request

Glik Park has recently been the site of vandalism, and we are asking for the public’s help.

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, a citizen discovered that a stone bench in the park had been significantly damaged. This bench was a donated piece valued at over $3,500, making this not only an act of vandalism but also a loss to our entire community.

We are asking anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, has information about this incident, or may have video footage (home cameras, dash cameras, etc.) from the area to please come forward.
Please contact the Highland Police Department at 618-654-2131 ext. 1.

Your assistance is appreciated as we work to hold those responsible accountable and protect the spaces our community values.

Please share this post to help spread the word.

A secondary image has been added to illustrate the bench's movement. This movement gives the impression that this may have not been a weather-related incident.

https://www.highlandil.gov/news_detail_T14_R532.php

03/17/2026

Electric Bikes, Battery-Powered Bikes, and Gas-Powered Bikes on City Streets

The City of Highland has received several questions about electric bicycles and motorized bikes being operated on city streets.

“These are state statutes. They are not rules created by the City. This information is being shared to help educate the public.”

Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes)

Illinois law recognizes three classes of electric bicycles:

Class 1 – Pedal assist only with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
Class 2 – Throttle-assisted with a maximum speed of 20 mph.
Class 3 – Pedal assist only with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.

Electric bicycles are generally treated the same as traditional bicycles and may be operated on roadways and bike lanes. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike, and riders under 18 must wear a helmet when operating a Class 3 e-bike.

Gas-Powered or Motorized Bicycles

Bicycles equipped with a gasoline engine or larger motor may fall under the classification of a motor-driven cycle or moped under Illinois law. These vehicles may require:

• Registration and license plates
• A valid driver’s license
• Insurance

Operating an unregistered motor-driven cycle on a public roadway may result in enforcement action.

Safety Reminder

All cyclists must follow traffic laws, ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic control devices, and use proper lighting when riding at night.

If you have questions about whether your bicycle or motorized bike is legal to operate on city roadways, please contact the Highland Police Department.

Thank you for helping keep Highland’s roadways safe.

03/13/2026

This is an important public message. Thanks to our EMS Division and Fire Department for their professionalism and service to our community.

Recently, crews from Highland EMS responded to an emergency involving two residents suffering from carbon monoxide exposure. Thanks to the quick recognition of symptoms and rapid intervention by EMS personnel, both patients received immediate care and were transported for further medical evaluation. A special thank you to the City of Highland Fire Department for their quick response and assistance once carbon monoxide exposure was suspected. Their teamwork and support played an important role in ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is often called the “silent killer” because it is a colorless, odorless gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It is produced by common household appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and generators when fuel is burned. Without a working carbon monoxide detector, dangerous levels can build up inside a home without warning.

Situations like this serve as an important reminder of how critical carbon monoxide detectors are in protecting our families. Every home should have functioning CO detectors installed, especially near sleeping areas. Just as importantly, these detectors should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly. Test them monthly, replace batteries as needed, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing the unit itself—typically every 5 to 7 years.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, leave the building immediately and call 911.

Highland EMS crews respond to emergencies like this every day, but prevention is always the best protection. Taking a few minutes to check your carbon monoxide detectors could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Please take a moment today to test your CO detectors and make sure your home is protected.

03/10/2026

The PACT (Police and Children Together) Program helps bring officers and youth in our community together through positive experiences, mentorship, and fun activities that build trust and lasting relationships.

PACT is currently selling raffle tickets to support the program, and every ticket purchased helps make these opportunities possible for local kids.

Funds raised help support programs such as:
• Youth engagement activities with officers
• Community events and outreach programs
• Educational and positive interaction opportunities for local children

These programs give kids the chance to interact with officers in a positive environment while strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the community.

Check out the raffle ticket in the photo for details!
If you’re interested in purchasing tickets or supporting PACT, please reach out to Officer Biggs or Officer Clewis at the Highland Police Department.

Thank you for helping us invest in the youth of our community and continue building strong relationships that last a lifetime. 💙