According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, many of which can be prevented through the use of properly installed child safety seats.

The Joliet Police Department is committed to child safety. It has designated Child Safety Seat Technicians specifically trained to check child seats properly and answer any questions regarding child passenger safety issues. To schedule your free appointment, please email the JPD Safety Seat team at jpdsafetyseat@joliet.gov and submit a Child Seat Installation Request. 

Car seat checks can be scheduled Monday through Friday from 8AM - 2PM or 5PM - 10PM. Appointments can take up to one hour as officers strive to teach the caretaker how to install the seat independently. Child Passenger Safety Guidelines should be reviewed by all those who provide vehicle transportation to children. This service is provided only to City of Joliet residents, or someone complying with a Will County court order related to a child safety seat citation. 

Preparing for your appointment:

1. Install the child safety seat in the vehicle and, if possible, bring the child to the inspection.
2. Bring the child safety installation manual seat AND the vehicle’s owner’s manual. If the manual is unavailable, contact the manufacturer or visit the manufacturer’s website for the booklet information.
3. Know the child’s current weight and height. Proper installation requires this information. Officers do not have the ability to weigh children.

What you can expect:

1. The Officer will fill out and require the caretaker to sign an installation/inspection form.
2. The Officer will inspect the safety seat and advise of any corrections needed.
3. The Officer will demonstrate the correct use of the seat. The caretaker will be required to repeat the child safety seat installation in the vehicle at the inspection site.
4. The caretaker can expect to leave the inspection site confident in their ability to remove, replace, and adjust the child's seat for transportation.

What is the best Child Safety Seat?

• The one stating that it meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
• The one that fits your child.
• The one you can easily install in your vehicle correctly, every time.

Special Notes

• Children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat of vehicles.
• All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be in a booster seat until they are at least eight years old and at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.

For more information on Child Passenger Safety, visit the following links:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Illinois Compiled Statues
• Safe Kids Worldwide
• Listing of Alternative Car Seat Fitting Locations (2023)