Welcome to the Watseka Police Department... The Watseka Police Department has a unique history as do other small police departments. In 1948 - 1950, the police department had only five sworn officers working for the city, including the chief of police. There was no radio communications at that time. If there was a problem or complaint, Watseka residents called the telephone operator about the problem. In turn, the telephone operator would turn on a red light, which was located in the middle of Walnut street. When the police officer saw the red light, he stopped and called the telephone operator to find out what detail he had. The Police Department had no benefits at that time and were paid $125 per month. They also had to buy their own uniforms, weapons, and ammunition.  

Today, the police department is up to 11 full-time officers and three part-time officers. All officers have completed the mandatory training from the state POLICE   TRAINING  INSTITUTE  (P.T.I.). They are certified in numerous state and local programs: community oriented policing, blood borne pathogens, hazardous material, radar enforcement, juvenile, D.A.R.E., fire-arms. The officers now have benefits such as insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick time. The police department's retirement is city funded and is self sustaining.
The starting salary for new officers is $23,795.
They now receive their calls from the Watseka Telecommunications Department.

 The telecommunicators also dispatch for the public works department.  The telecommunications department consists of four full-time and two part-time dispatchers.  The telecommunicators have successfully completed the mandatory LAW ENFORCEMENT  AGENCY DATA SYSTEM  (L.E.A.D.S.) training/certification. They are also certified in  EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH, (E.M.D), hazardous material, and blood born pathogens. The telecommunications personnel are now integrating to the enhanced "9-1-1" system. In the early fall they will be certified in "9-1-1" dispatching and "T.T.Y." for the hearing or speaking impaired.
Starting salary for telecommunicators is $19,635.

Watseka Police Department may be reached as follows:

Mailing address: 228 East Walnut Street, Watseka, Il. 60970

Telephone number: 1-(815) 432-2433

Watseka Police Department Dispatch may be reached as follows:

Mailing address: 1001 East Grant Street, Watseka, Illinois 60970

Telephone number: 1-(815) 432-2431

Alternate telephone number: 1-(815) 432-2432

Fax number 1-(815) 432-2930

E-Mail addresses:

 
 
   Click here ===>E-mail Watseka Police Department
 
   Click here ===>E-mail Telecommunications Prater

   Click here ===>Return to Watseka's home page 

   Click here ===>Go directly to the Administrative Office

   Click here ===>Go directly to the Watseka Fire Department's home page

   Click here ===> Go directly to the Water Treatment home page        

 
Copyright © 1998 Watseka Police Department.
This home page was created  May 13, 1998.
Most recent revision Friday, February 12, 1999.