Neighborhood Oriented Policing Team 

The Joliet Police Department began a community policing/problem solving initiative in 1991 with a federal grant to fund a special problem solving Unit known as Neighborhood Oriented Policing Team (NOPT). The NOPT Unit normally consists of one lieutenant, two sergeants, and fourteen officers. These officers are assigned to target-specific neighborhoods throughout the city. The NOPT Unit’s special focus is to proactively engage the residents of that neighborhood community with the objective of identifying neighborhood crime and disorder problems. NOPT Officers receive ongoing training in how to analyze the factors of victim(s), offender(s), and location surrounding each problem in order to pinpoint its underlying causes. NOPT Officers are encouraged to tailor a response to the problems which would include both traditional and more non-traditional, creative strategies to those problems. These problem solving action plans often include input and involvement of those residents affected by the problems and the use of other resources within the government and community.

NOPT Officers have often used a variety of innovative techniques when addressing the unique community issues. Some examples of activities that have been conducted over the past year include:

• Entering into trespass agreements with property owners;

• Identifying drug related and prostitution areas for targeted enforcement;

• Utilizing crime prevention through environmental design principles;

• Assisting cooperative landlords with evictions and providing training to landlords;

• Abating problem locations utilizing the city’s Nuisance Abatement Program;

• Analyze crime statistics and organize special details to address any increase in criminal activity;

• Participate in community group/ Neighborhood Watch meetings and provide feedback during meetings.

The Joliet Police Department also has helpful information for current landlords, or those persons interested in renting property in the City of Joliet. A copy of our landlord manual can be found on the home page under the resources section. This manual covers several topics regarding rental properties, including sample leases, eviction notices, trespass agreements, ban letters, and tenant screening. The manual is free to download, and you may use any of these forms to help you with your rental property. If your rental property falls within an NOPT area, feel free to contact your neighborhood officer with any questions or the main number 815-724-3230.

NOPT Area maps & boundaries can be found on the NOPT Boundaries page.

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NOPT Supervisors

Lieutenant Desiderio
(815) 724-3198

Sergeant Nicodemus
(815) 724-3252

Sergeant Williams
(815) 724-3263

NOPT Officers & Area Assignments

Broadway

Officer Killian
(815) 724-3230

Officer Vertin
(815) 724-3230 

Cathedral

Officer Holman
(815) 724-3266

Far West

Officer Carroll
(815) 724-3183

Forest Park

Officer Scallate
(815) 724-3191

Officer Durham
(815) 724-3399

North Central

Officer Bernhard
(815) 724-3187

Second & Richards

Officer Klancher
(815) 724-3247

St. Pat's

Officer Smith
(815) 724-3259

Crime Prevention

Officer Mascolino
(815) 724-3228

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Special Services Unit

The Special Services Unit consists of sworn personnel who are assigned to the downtown area, Gateway Center, and Union Station. Special Services Unit (SSU) members focus on providing a safe environment for citizens and visitors to the downtown area.

SSU Officers meet with businesses on a daily basis and assist with any concerns they may have. The officers tailor their response to any problems to include both traditional and more non-traditional methods. These problem-solving activities include input and involvement from the business owners and employees who are affected by the problems.

During special events such as baseball games, parades, and farmers markets, SSU Officers conduct foot patrol, bike patrol, and general traffic control to ensure the safety of all visitors to downtown. Any questions or concerns for the Special Services Unit call 815-724-3497.

SSU Supervisor

Lieutenant Desiderio
(815) 724-3198 

SSU Officers

Officer Perri
(815) 724-3694

Officer Chochola
(815) 724-3493

Officer Austin
(815) 724-3246