Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – In a move designed to enhance community engagement and public safety, the Springfield Police Department has added Community Service Officers to its team.

CSOs are non-sworn personnel who will help enforce city ordinances and support sworn officers. The addition of CSOs aims to free up sworn officers to focus on higher-priority situations and improve the department’s overall efficiency.

Commander Ryan Leach said the department currently has three CSOs working as part of the FY2025 budget. He outlined a CSOs responsibilities as follows:

• Issuing traffic violation notices to illegally parked vehicles
• Directing vehicular and pedestrian traffic at crash scenes, special events, or other situations requiring traffic control
• Investigating complaints of abandoned vehicles and issuing appropriate notices
• Completing tow sheets and related paperwork
• Investigating and completing crash reports for private property accidents without injuries or citations
• Investigating found property and illegal dumping reports
• Answering calls and walk-in inquiries at the Traffic Services Section and responding to parking violation complaints
• Reporting non-functioning traffic signals, unreadable or missing traffic control devices, and other public safety hazards
• Assisting with the relocation of speed trailers, department sign boards, and Skywatch system

“The addition of Community Service Officers to our department reflects our ongoing efforts to adapt and meet the needs of our residents,” said Chief Ken Scarlette, “Their work will undoubtedly enhance our ability to ensure public safety and improve response times for all.”