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Morrison Police Department

The Morrison Police Department is a small police agency of six full-time and five part-time officers that serve the public safety needs of the City of Morrison. Ernie Huling is the Chief of Police. The Police Department follows a community policing philosophy.

In order to maintain this philosophy, the Police Department teaches DARE to fifth grade students at the Morrison Southside School. We also provide security at all major community events, such as Paint the Town, parades, the Whiteside County Fair, school events, the Christmas Walk, and many other public events that provide our Police Officers the opportunity to interact with the community. We also provide twenty-four hour police services to the City of Morrison.

2008 DARE Graduates

Officers of the Police Department are well-trained professionals who are required to undergo an extensive selection process that includes a written exam, oral interview, background check, and polygraph testing.

Once hired, Morrison Police Officers are required to attend twelve weeks of Basic Law Enforcement at the Police Training Institute at the University of Illinois in Champaign. After Basic Law Enforcement, officers are required to complete an eight-week field training program where they handle calls, conduct traffic enforcement, investigate crimes, and study policies under the supervision of an experienced officer.

An officer’s training doesn’t end when he or she finishes field training. All Morrison Police Officers are required to attend a minimum of 40 hours of in-service training each year. This in-service training includes criminal and traffic law updates, emergency driving, firearms qualification, and a host of other courses that improve and update their skills in this constantly changing profession.

Reporting Calls To The Police Department

The Police Department handles approximately 2800 calls annually. Most calls are service calls, such as lock-outs, motorist assists, and suspicious vehicles or persons. Morrison normally enjoys a low rate of crime in the community, however, the Police Department does investigate crimes against persons and property from time to time. The majority of these investigations arise from calls from citizens who provide an important source of information to police officers. The Police Department has always prided itself on its ability to respond to calls in a quick and efficient manner.

To obtain the best possible police response, you should be prepared to efficiently report all crime and suspicious activity to the police. Some situations warrant the use of the 9-1-1 emergency number, while others should be phoned in to the 24 hour non-emergency line at the Whiteside County Law Enforcement Center. The non-emergency number is (815) 772-4044 or (815) 772-7659.

You may also make a non-emergency online Service Request.  To do so, please click here.

Call 9-1-1 For:

The following guidelines are offered to assist you in determining which number to use:

1. All medical emergencies
2. Reporting a fire
3. Reporting a police emergency such as:
   • any crime in progress that you are aware of or are observing.
   • a crime that has just been committed against you that you just witnessed. For example, you observed someone taking an item from your car that is parked in your driveway and the suspect and/or vehicle description may help the Police Department make an apprehension.

When using 9-1-1, speak as clearly and calmly as possible. Each question the dispatcher asks is designed to add a piece to the "picture" so that responding officers can take precautions for what may possibly be a dangerous situation. The more complete the "picture", the quicker and safer the outcome will be for all parties concerned.

Reporting A Non-Emergency

Most of the calls that you and your neighbors place to the Police Department are for non-emergencies. For example, if you discover that a crime has occurred, such as a burglary or theft, and you did not witness the incident or you don’t know when it occurred, you should call the non-emergency number at (815) 772-4044 or (815) 772-7659. This is answered on a 24-hour/7 day per week basis. Citizen reports, such as loud music or barking dogs, must be reported on the non-emergency line.

Establishing Vacation Status

For residents or business owners who are leaving on an extended vacation, a security check form is available at City Hall.  This form provides the Police Department with valuable information such as who to contact in the event of a question or emergency regarding the vacationer's property.  Persons are requested to notify the Police Department upon their return.  To obtain a form, please stop by City Hall.