E-Gov Services - Village of Lincolnwood FAQ

Administration

Where are the Village of Lincolnwood buildings located?
The Village Hall, Community Center, Police Department, Building Department, and Fire Department are all located at 6900 North Lincoln Avenue (Map). The Public Works Department is located at 7001 North Lawndale Avenue (Map).

Where is the Illinois EPA Vehicle Emissions Testing Station?
3555 West Jarvis Skokie, Illinois 60076 (847)717-0479 Map

Where is the Circuit Court of Cook County?
5600 Old Orchard Road Skokie, Illinois 60077 (847)470-7200 Map

Do I need a Garage Sale Permit?
Yes. Contact the Village Administrator’s office to obtain one at 847-745-4717.

When do the Village Board Meetings occur?
Village Board meetings take place every first and third Thursday of the month in the Village Hall Council Chambers. The Regular Meeting begins at 7:30 pm. Normally there is a Committee of the Whole meeting that takes place prior to the Regular Meetings. All of these meetings are open to the public and residents are always encouraged to attend. Click the following link to view past and upcoming Village Board agendas: Link

Are there any employment opportunities?
The Village’s Human Resources webpage is an excellent way to keep up to date of current employment opportunities. You may find it by following this link: Employment

What is the Village Newsletter and when is it published?
The Village Newsletter, known as the Village Connections, is a newsletter that is published by the Village and contains all of the current news and events that takes place in the Village. It is produced every two months and is mailed to all addresses with 60712 Zip Code. The mailing schedule is always on the first of the month and is as follows: January, March, May, July, September, November. You may also download the Connections under the Quicklinks section on the Village Homepage at Village Homepage

Who should I contact if I did not receive my Village Newsletter?
You should go to the Village Website and fill out the appropriate Action Line Request form. It is located here: Action Line Request

Finance

What are the hours of operation for the Finance Department?
9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What is the Real Estate Transfer Tax?
The Village of Lincolnwood does not have a Real Estate Transfer Tax.

What is the Sales Tax in Lincolnwood?
Sales tax is 10.00% on purchases. There is also an additional 1% Food & Beverage tax charged in Lincolnwood food establishments

On what date each year does my vehicle sticker expire?
June 30th

What is the current cost of the Vehicle Stickers?
$40.00 Passenger Vehicle $30.00 Motor Cycle $50.00 and up for various trucks

I received a parking ticket, what are my options?
Several options are available...You can pay the ticket by mail, place your payment in the white drop box in front of Village Hall or pay in person at Village Hall. If you wish to contest the ticket bring the ticket to Village Hall and request a court date.

Do you have a drop box for payments?
Yes, it is the white box in front of the Village Hall located at 6900 N. Lincoln Ave.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with water or sewer service?
Call our Water Billing Division at (847) 745-4700 or click here for a service request form.

Do I need to notify the Village when selling my property?
Yes, you will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Payment to obtain a final water meter reading.

What is the current water rate?
The current water rate is $3.62 per 1,000 gallons.

Is there a fee for using a credit card to pay my bill?
No, there is no extra fee charged.

Community Development

When are you open?
The Building Division is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections are available by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling 847-673-7402.

Do you have a copy of the survey of my property?
The Building Division may have a copy of your plat of survey. In order for a plat of survey to be valid for the purpose of obtaining a permit, it must be less than six months old.

How do I register a complaint with the Community Development Department?
A complaint about a work site or another property can be made by calling the Building Division of the Community Development Department at 847.673.7402 or by completing the Request Inspection/Complaint Record form.

I am interested in buying a house in Lincolnwood. Can I see the Building Division files and plans?
Unless you are the current owner, to see the plans and/or files on ANY property, you must go to the Village Administration office to fill out a Freedom of Information Act form. The files and plans (if any) will then be pulled and you will be called to come in.

What do I need to obtain a permit?
All Fees Paid Filled Out Application All Bonds and Licenses Plat of Survey (not older than six months) Tax ID Number 3 Sets of Plans ***Some Permits May Have Other Requirements

How long will it take for me to get my permit?
New Home Construction/Remodeling - Approximately 8 weeks. New Commercial Construction - Approximately 8 weeks. Commercial Remodel - Approximately 4 weeks. Electrical, Plumbing, and H.V.A.C. - Approximately 1 week. Roof and Fence Permits - May Be Handled Immediately. Electrical Upgrades - May Be Handled Immediately.

How much does a permit cost?
Building permit fees are based on the added valuation and are calculated on an individual basis. The basic fee is $50.00 plus $10.00 per thousand, with no building permit being less than $56.00. Plumbing, HVAC and electrical fees are calculated based on the service or equipment installed.

How long is a building permit good for?
New Construction/Remodeling is good for 1 year. New Commercial Construction is good for 1 year. Electrical, Plumbing and H.V.A.C. are good 1 year. Roof and Fence are good for 1 year. Electrical Upgrade is good for 1 year. All Building Permits are good for 1 year so long as work begins in the first 180 days.

How will I know when my building permit is approved?
Someone from the Building Division will call you. If you wish to inquire into the status of your building permit, please call the Building Division at 847.673.7402

When can my contractor work?
Monday-Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday and Holidays No work hours ***Demolition can take place only Monday through Friday

Can a home owner be his/her own general contractor or do the work on his/her property themselves?
Yes, a home owner can act as their own general contractor and a homeowner can do the work on his or her property. Please Note: When acting as a general contractor or doing work on one's own property, a certificate of insurance and bond are not needed only when all work will be done by the homeowner.

Do I need a permit for Air Conditioning and Heating Work?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for a Dumpster?
No, but the dumpster must be on private property. Dumpsters on public property or the parkway can be cited.

Do I need a permit for Electrical and Plumbing Work?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Lawn Sprinkler Systems?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Painting?
No. This does not represent a comprehensive list. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Hot Water Heaters?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Dog Runs?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Concrete or Flatwork (Including: Steps, Porches, Patios)?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Replacing Cabinets WITH STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Drywalling?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Fences?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Driveways and Sidewalks?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Garages and Sheds?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Replacement Windows and Doors?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Roofing?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Gutters and Downspouts?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Alarm Systems?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Tuckpointing?
YES. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Changing Ceiling Tiles?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do you need a permit for Carpeting or Floor Tiles?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Installing Hardwood Floors?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Changing Cabinet Faces and Counter Tops?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Replacing Cabinets with NO STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Changing Existing Light Fixtures?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Do I need a permit for Normal Installation of Household Appliances?
NO. To be sure if a permit is/is not needed please contact the Building Department at 847-673-7402.

Parks & Recreation

Can I pay a daily admission fee to get into the Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center?
The Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center, located one block west of Lincoln Avenue on Kostner, is an admittance by membership only facility. (Only Village residents and/or guests of members can pay a daily fee to get into the pool.) The Aquatic Center is open from June through August

Can I rent the Lincolnwood Community Center for a family and/or business party?
Yes, The Lincolnwood Community Center is part of the Parks and Recreation Department. We serve the community's recreational needs by offering various programs in our facility. However, when we're not utilizing the Community Center, it is available for rentals by; individuals, families, and businesses of Lincolnwood as well as those nearby. We can fulfill almost every need of a rental with our amenities including; round or rectangular tables, banquet chairs, kitchen, TV/VCR unit, podium with microphone, coffeepot, tablecloths and more. If you have specific needs that has not been mentioned, call and speak to our Facilities Coordinator. For information on pricing and the availability of a specific date contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (847) 677-9740.

Can I rent the Proesel Park Shelter?
Yes, it requires a permit. Permit applications for picnics and other uses of park grounds are issued on April 1st, of each year, on a first-serve basis as completed applications are received and approved. Permits shall only be issued to Lincolnwood residents; affiliated programs within the Village, businesses or organizations located in the Village, Village employees, and must be signed by the resident or business organization representative. The individual submitting the application must be in attendance at the picnic. This individual will be held responsible for any and all damages/problems associated with the picnic. We kindly request 24 hour notification if applicant will not be in attendance. Should applicant fail to be in attendance without advance notification, security deposit may be forfeited. For more information on securing a Picnic Permit, or to check the availability of a certain date contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (847) 677-9740.

What are the hours for the Proesel Park Family Aquatic Center (Pool)?
CLICK HERE to open a PDF listing Aquatic Center hours.

Public Works

Why is the Village pruning my tree?
Pruning trees is done to remove any dead branches that may fall, promote the tree's health, and improve the tree's appearance.

What happens when my parkway tree dies?
When a parkway tree dies, Public Works crews will remove the tree in the winter and the tree stump the following spring.

How can I get a tree planted in the parkway?
The Village of Lincolnwood offers a 50/50 cost share parkway tree planting program every fall and spring for residents who would like to have a tree(s) planted in the parkway adjacent to their property.

There is a street/traffic sign in my yard.
Street and traffic signs are needed to inform everyone of their location, potential hazards, speed limits, and regulatory intersections such as a stop. Without these signs, our valued residents, their guests, and other visitors to the Village would be unable to navigate Village streets safely and informed. We make every effort when replacing and erecting these signs to place them on existing sign poles, light poles, or on the property lines to have as little inconvenience as possible. On some occasions, though, we are unable to do this. Because of site restrictions, utility proximity, height or distance regulations we may be required to place them on a separate pole in the Right-of-Way in the front of the house.

My streetlight is out.
We strive to keep all of the Village lights working to keep all neighborhoods safe and passable for the enjoyment of everyone. With the great amount of lights in the Village, we are unable to keep track of all the lights that may need repair without the assistance of our concerned residents. If you know of a streetlight that needs repair, please call the Public Works Facility at (847) 675-0888 to report its outage and it will then be put on a repair list. We will make every effort to have it working within one week of the call, weather permitting. Some lights may require more extensive work and require a longer time of repair, depending on the problem related to it. Commenwelth Edison is responsible for streetlights on the wooden light poles, residents can call ComEd at 1-800-Edison1 or Public Works at (847) 675-0888 to have these lights repaired.

Trash/debris and dead animals are in the roadway.
We attempt to keep the Village free from items such as trash and debris in the roadway to display the high quality of life its residents enjoy. But with our busy roadways comes the unfortunate residual of items in the roadway to be collected. Along with this trash and debris in the roadway are, unfortunately, the habits of our woodland friends attempting to search for food or find other shelter. We regret that sometimes our friends are unsuccessful in their attempts at crossing the road. If you notice or are aware of any such items, please contact Public Works at (847) 675-0888 and we will remove them as soon as possible.

Why are there paint marks in the right-of-way?
Paint marks indicate that there will be some type of excavation or repair within that area. This excavation area should be marked in white paint unless it will be too extensive to do so. All underground excavating or repairs are required by law to have these locates before they can be performed. This is called the J.U.L.I.E. LOCATE SYSTEM (1-800-892-0123). The J.U.L.I.E. LOCATES show where all the utilities are located before excavation begins so the work can be performed safely and without disruption to utility services. Calling for these locates first applies to everyone: the Village, private contractors, and residents wishing to perform underground work in their yard. If you see anyone excavating without these locates, please contact the Village Building Department at (847) 673-7402 to report this illegal operation. The color meanings for these paint marks are as follows: Electric: Fire Protection Red Communication, Phone, TV: Alert Orange Potable Water: Precaution Blue Sewer: Safety Green Reclaimed Water: Safety Purple Proposed Area of Excavation: Safety White Gas: Yellow

There was work done in the Right-of-Way (R.O.W.). What happens now?
Work performed in the R.O.W. by the Village could have been performed for a variety of reasons, such as a sidewalk repair, storm or sanitary sewer repair, curb repair, catch basin repair, water main break, or an underground streetlight repair. We try to have all excavations repaired within two weeks, providing the weather cooperates and allows us to do so. Depending on the depth of the excavation, it may be required to let the excavation "settle" for an extended period of time. Without doing this, there will be a greater chance of having to do a return trip to redress and reseed the area after it has settled again. We ask that the homeowner water the restoration area to encourage growth of the seed. This will increase the chances of the restoration having a vigorous growth to restore the yard back to its natural beauty.

What should I do if my basement backs up with sewage?
Lincolnwood residents are encouraged to contact the Public Works Department--before they contact a plumber--any time they experience a basement back-up. A Public Works employee will conduct an inspection to determine if the back-up is a result of a problem in the Village's main line sewer or in the private building sewer service line. If a blockage occurred in the Village's main line sewer, the Public Works Department will correct the problem, which should also relieve the basement back-up. However, if the Village's main line sewer is properly functioning, the resident will be notified that the blockage is in the private building sewer service line. The Lincolnwood Village Code indicates that the property owner is responsible for maintaining the private building sewer service line from the building to the Village's main line sewer. By contacting Public Works first, the resident will save the cost of hiring a plumber in the event that the blockage causing the basement back-up was in the Village's main line sewer. Please contact Public Works at (847) 675-0888 any time you experience a basement backup.

My cold water just started looking cloudy and dirty. What is going on?
Occasionally open fire hydrants can cause some rust and scale products, which normally adhere to the inside of the water mains, to break away. This sediment disturbance may cause water to appear cloudy or dirty. Water main repair or construction can also cause this temporary inconvenience. If this condition occurs in your system, allow the cold-water tap to run until the water clears. This should occur within five minutes. If the condition persists, call the Lincolnwood Public Works Department at (847) 675-0888.

What causes the tiny air bubbles in my water?
This condition occurs most often when water is very cold and then warms up while in a building's interior piping. Cold water can hold more air than warm water. Therefore, some air comes out of solution as tiny air bubbles when the water warms up. At times, the water may be so densely filled with air that the water appears cloudy. An easy way to check the cause of cloudiness is to fill a clear glass with the water, set it on a table, and watch. If the cloud rises from bottom to top, it is air escaping as the water warms. If the cloud sinks from the top to the bottom, you may have a sediment problem.

Why does the water have a chlorine taste or smell? What can I do to remove it?
Chlorine is the disinfecting agent used by most public water systems to kill bacteria during the water treatment process. A small amount is left in the water right up to your tap to inhibit microbial growth in the piping. This amount can vary with the time of year and the condition of raw Lake Michigan water. To remove the chlorine taste or smell, fill a clean pitcher or container with cold tap water and leave it uncovered overnight in the refrigerator. The chlorine content will dissipate.

Is my water safe to drink?
Yes. The Village of Lincolnwood meets all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for safe drinking water.

My water is reddish or brown. What causes this?
Drinking water pipes--in the street, leading to your home, or in your home--may be rusting, creating rusty-brown water. Also, your hot water tank may be rusting. If you are having trouble and your neighbors are not, then your own pipes or water heater are probably rusting. Letting the water run for a while will often clear the water (save the rusty water for plants). If the problem persists, call Public Works at (847) 675-0888.

Is it okay to use hot water from the tap for cooking?
No. Use cold water. Hot water is more likely to contain rust, copper, and lead from your household plumbing and water heater because these contaminants generally dissolve into hot water from the plumbing faster than into cold water.

What activity in my home uses the most water?
Typical percentages of water for a family of four are: Toilet flushing: 40% Dishwashing: 6% Bath and shower: 32% Cooking and drinking: 5% Laundry: 14% Bathroom sink: 3%

How can I check if my toilet tank is leaking?
Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank, wait about 15 minutes, and look in the bowl. If the food coloring shows up there, the tank is leaking and should be fixed.

How do I have my water turned off in the event of an emergency?
Contact the Public Works Department at (847) 675-0888, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours call the police department at (847) 673-2167.

Are there watering restrictions?
It shall be unlawful for any person to use water from the village water system between the hours of twelve o'clock (12:00) noon and six o'clock (6:00) P.M. from May 15 to September 15 of each year, inclusive, for the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers or any other vegetation; or for the washing of vehicles; or for the washing of sidewalks, driveways, outsides of buildings, or other outdoor surfaces. Newly installed lawns shall be exempt provided that a watering permit has been issued by the department of public works. There is no fee for the permit and the permit shall be displayed and visible from the street.

Police Department

What can I do to prepare myself and my family in case of emergency?
Since September 11, 2001; we have all been concerned with our response to any emergency. The Village of Lincolnwood has an emergency plan that coordinates Village Services through the Emergency Operations Center. This plan coordinates the Village response to any emergency and is backed up by the liaisons with County, State and Federal Agencies. The Lincolnwood Fire Department is a member of MABAS which coordinates the statewide Emergency Medical Service, Hazardous Materials and Fire Fighting response to any major emergency. The Police Department is a member of NIPAS which coordinates the same type of response plan within our area supplying officers, a specially trained crowd control unit and a well-coordinated and trained Emergency Services Team to handle any high risk incidents. The rapid access to public safety personnel and equipment is the backbone of any emergency plan and both the Police and Fire organizations have been up and running effectively for many years. There are several websites that can supply information on the role of the citizen during any emergency and specifically what you can do to prepare your home and family. Please take the time to examine the information that is available. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security at: www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/theme_home7.jsp The Illinois Department of Homeland Security at: http://www.illinois.gov/security/athome.htmwww.dhs.gov/dhspublic/theme_home7.jsp The Illinois Emergency Management Agency at: http://www.state.il.us/iema/ The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) website has a down-loadable (PDF) version of the "Family Emergency Preparedness Plan What is the best way to protect my family and my home? There are several things you can do to protect your home and family. They involve the use of proper security, technology and the partnership between your neighborhood and the local police. 1. Consider installing a burglar alarm. The proper use of an alarm is a significant deterrent. 2. Our history tells the story of people banding together for their protection. This is still a valuable strategy today. Involve your neighborhood. Being a conscientious neighbor means being aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Neighbors should cooperate in caring for each others family members and property. No one knows your neighborhoods as well as you do; report any suspicious incidents to the police. 3. Consider using the crime prevention services of the Lincolnwood Police Department by organizing your neighbors for a crime prevention seminar. An informed neighborhood partnered with the local police is a valuable asset.

What can I do to protect myself from Identity Theft?
You become a victim of Identity Theft when someone steals key pieces of information about you. This could include your name, address, date of birth, social security number or even your mother's maiden name. Theft of these items enables someone to commit any number of acts of fraud including, taking over your financial accounts, opening new accounts, applying for credit cards or loans, social security benefits and use of rental services. The goal of identity thieves is to spend as much money as possible before the person realizes they have been victimized. Lock Up Your Personal Data You don't have to keep your credit cards and checkbook in the safe, but here are some hints to help prevent someone from illegally utilizing your personal information. Be careful when giving out personal information on the telephone. Thieves will sometimes call and identify themselves as a bank, store, or other financial institution representative. They may ask for your personal identification, bank, or credit card account numbers. Their explanation may be that they need the information to verify your account for a special discount, offer, or other prize. You should contact the institution yourself before giving out any information over the phone. When making a purchase with a check, a merchant should not ask for a credit card to verify your name or to write down the account number on the check. If they request an ID, give them your driver's license or State ID card. 3. Be careful giving out personal information when using the Internet. Fraudulent sites have been set up to obtain personal and financial information from unsuspecting consumers. There are also marketing scams and web-site cons on the Internet that offer some type of prize or reward for enrolling or e-mailing their message to your friends. (The usually small prize comes at a high expense!) You may want to elect to remove your social security number from your checks and especially your driver's license. With your name, date of birth, and social security number, a thief can obtain a credit card using your personal information. Shred or cut up any discarded mail that contains your account numbers or any personal information. This helps to prevent thieves from going through your garbage to copy down this information. If someone calls for a charitable contribution, never give out your credit card number over the phone. Have them send you a written pledge/donation form and verify the charity yourself. Sign the back of your credit cards as soon as they arrive in the mail. Sign all credit cards, checks, and important documents the same. Remember...Minimize Your Risk. Take preventative actions to avoid being victimized. Don't give anyone personal information about yourself. Shred any documents or credit cards that you do not need or use. Keep track of your purse, wallet and briefcase at all times. Retrieve your mail from your mailbox promptly.

Are there any special parking restrictions within the Village?
Recreation vehicles, boats and trailers cannot be parked on the street for more than 30 minutes. Upon written request, the Chief of Police may grant a 24 hour grace period. Only 4 grace periods can be granted a year and not on consecutive days. Vehicles for sale may not be parked on any public street. Commercial vehicles cannot be parked on any public street or alley between 7:00 pm through 7:00 am on weekdays or between 7:00 pm Saturday through 7:00am on Mondays. A commercial vehicle is any vehicle bearing commercial markings or lettering that indicates it is used for commercial purposes or any Class 1 or 2 vehicle which has license plates registered to a commercial business. Inoperable vehicles cannot be left on public streets or alleys.

Does the Police Department solicit donations or contributions?
No, the Police and the Fire Department do not solicit donations or contributions. Many organizations solicit funds on behalf of Police or Fire personnel however; the funds do not benefit Lincolnwood Police or Fire Fighters. Do not be coerced into donating funds to an organization. Legitimate organizations will allow you plenty of time to make a decision

What should I do in cases where someone appears to have road rage and it is directed at me?
Take another route in an attempt to lose the person Do not make eye contact Do not confront the person If you cannot get away from them, go to a police or fire station or to a place where there are people

What can I do about auto theft and thefts from auto?
What can I do about auto theft and thefts from auto? Auto thefts and thefts from vehicles is a constant problem throughout our area. An auto burglary occurs when someone breaks into a locked vehicle and takes property, and a theft from a vehicle occurs when the vehicle is not locked as many of these were not. While these are not crimes of violence or of the highest priority for investigation, they are obviously important to the victim and if there are any leads in these cases, they are at least assigned to investigators to at least look into. Some of these thefts can be quite large, in the thousands of dollars, and many could have been prevented. Most occur during the night when the car is parked and unattended and when most of the neighborhood is asleep. Some helpful hints: 1. If you have a garage, clean out enough room and put your car in it when it is not being driven. The proper use of a garage is the best and easiest way to stop a crime of opportunity from happening to you. 2. If you do not have a garage, always lock your car. By locking your car you may not only save your own property you may even keep a young person from the criminal justice system who might never have forced entry, but couldn't pass up the opportunity to commit this crime by taking that loose change you left on the console. You may save a child from beginning the road to crime and never even know it. 3. Remove property from plain sight for the same reason. Don't think that by covering up the cell phone with a jacket will work. It's only a matter of time before you either forget to cover it up or do so haphazardly and the property is still visible. 4. Alarms may help, but make sure it is a good one and that you maintain it or the neighbors may call about the constant noise, long after your cell phone, briefcase, camera and other property has been stolen and sold which doesn't take but an hour or so. Report Suspicious People: When you see someone walking down the street looking into every car call the police; that is the definition of suspicious activity. When you see someone walking by the same car several times and looking into that specific car or trying to get into a car with a coat hanger, again call the police. What if you do call on one of these and it turns out to be the owner breaking into his own car because they left the keys inside? We will contact them, find out and leave them to their business or call someone to help if they need. They will probably be happy that someone was watching out for their property. Honestly, we would rather go out on many of these types of calls than take one extensive automobile burglary. It takes less of our time in the long run than one report and all the investigation we do, so please do call.

How do I protect myself from scams & fraud
When dealing with contractors in general, have a plan. Follow these simple tips when thinking about hiring a general contractor: Have a definite idea about what you want or need, and what you can afford Get estimates Deal with someone you know, have used before, or is recommended by someone you trust Look for references Check to see if the Contractor licensed to do specifically what you want done Check on complaints by checking with, Consumer Affairs Better Business Bureau Building Inspector, Public Works Prepare a list of items for your contract and time frames for completion Have a payment schedule with the contractor and stick to it Make sure you understand the contract and guarantees Get a signed copy of the contract in your possession before the work is started Verify address and phone numbers of the contractor Beware Of Large down payment requests Request for cash only Pressure for you to obtain the building permit, rather than the contractor Door-to-door solicitations, itinerants or travelers Phone solicitors with free estimates Fast talkers "Now Only" discounts Familiarity or asking personal questions Hard luck stories Easy financing by the contractors or affiliate Deeding your property to the contractor while the house is under construction Do . . . Plan Be cautious Call police if suspicious contractors or solicitors are in your area Research your local building code, and if you find problems, call your Building Inspector Don't . . . Let strangers into your house Deal with contractors you have not investigated Believe that the contractor happened to be in the neighborhood with a little material left over Let others know you have a large amounts of cash in your house Agree to open-ended deals Fall for horror stories of serious damages that must be corrected now Be taken advantage of by scavengers offering to do repairs after natural disasters Accept spur of the moment deals Accompany strangers to the bank to assist in cashing checks Believe deals that are just too good to be true

How can I protect my child from Internet related crime?
Cyber Safety for Kids Online-A Parents' Guide The Internet has opened up a world of information for anyone with a computer and a connection. Your children will learn about computers. But just as you wouldn't send children near a busy road without some safety rules, you shouldn't send them on to the information superhighway without rules of the road. Too many dangers from pedophiles to con artists can reach children (and adults) through the Internet. Getting Started Explain that although a person may be alone in a room using the computer, once logged on to the Internet, he or she is no longer alone. People skilled in using the Internet can find out who you are and where you are. They can even tap into information in your computer. Set aside time to explore the Internet together. If your child has some computer experience, let him or her take the lead. Visit areas of the World Wide Web that have special sites for children. Controlling Access The best tool a child has for screening material found on the Internet is his or her brain. Teach children about exploitation, pornography, hate literature, excessive violence, and other issues that concern you so they know how to respond when they see this material. Choose a commercial online service that offers parental control features. These features can block contact that is not clearly marked as appropriate for children: chat rooms, bulletin boards, news groups, and discussion groups -- or access to the Internet entirely. Purchase blocking software and design your own safety system. Different packages can block sites by name, search for unacceptable words and block access to sites containing those words, block entire categories of material, and prevent children from giving out personal information. Monitor your children when they're online and monitor the time they spend online. If a child becomes uneasy or defensive when you walk into the room or when you linger, this could be a sign that he or she is up to something unusual or even forbidden. Tell Your Children ... Always to let you know immediately if they find something scary or threatening on the Internet. Never to give out their name, address, telephone number, password, school name, parent's name, or any other personal information. Never to agree to meet face to face with someone they've met online. Never to respond to messages that have bad words or seem scary or just weird. Never to enter an area that charges for services without asking you first. Never to send a picture of themselves to anyone without your permission. What You Can Do In The Community Make sure that access to the Internet at your children's school is monitored by adults. Know your children's friends and their parents. If your child's friend has Internet access at home, talk to the parents about the rules they have established. Find out if they are online. If your child receives threatening e-mails or pornographic material, save the offensive material and contact that user's Internet service provider and the Lincolnwood Police. If you come across sites that are inappropriate for children when you are surfing the Net, send the addresses to online services that offer parental control features or to sites advertising protection software to add to their list to be reviewed for inclusion or exclusion. Even if you don't subscribe to the service or own the protection software, you can help protect other children. Check the FBI website for more information http://www.fbi.gov/publications/pguide/pguidee.htm

What Do I Do if Someone is Using my Personal Data or my Credit Cards Illegally?
If your credit cards or check book has been stolen or lost, contact the issuing lender or bank and have the account closed or frozen. Contact the police department where the theft occurred. There may be jurisdictional difficulties concerning where the information was stolen and where the thefts actually occurred. If you experience difficulties, contact you local police for assistance. If you find out someone has been using your personal data to fraudulently obtain credit in your name, you will want to contact the three national consumer-reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Report to them that someone is using your name to illegally obtain credit. You can order your credit report and identify the accounts that are fraudulent. When you find a fraudulent account, you can then fill out a fraud affidavit or statement to have that account taken off your credit report. Many financial experts recommend checking your credit on a regular basis.

Does Lincolnwood PD do fingerprinting?
Yes, fingerprinting is done at the police department on Thursdays only from 3pm to 6pm. The fee for Lincolnwood residents is $10.00. For non-residents the fee is $30.00. Cash payments only are accepted and must be exact change. We are not able to give change or accept checks or credit cards. When you come, you must bring your fingerprint card and a driver's license, state ID or passport. We do not supply fingerprint cards. **The fingerprinting is done in the lock up area of the police department. If there are any prisoners that day, we cannot bring civilians into the lock up and fingerprinting will be cancelled for that day. Please call 847-673-2167 before you come to find out if we will be doing fingerprinting that day.

Where do I get the fingerprint cards I need in order to be fingerprinted?
The Lincolnwood Police Department does not provide fingerprint cards. You need to find out from the person who is requiring you to get fingerprinted where to get the card.

Are there any other places in the area that do fingerprinting?
The Niles Police Department does fingerprinting by appointment only at their substation at the Golf Mill Mall. Call 847-588-6500 for more information.

I would like more information on the Lincolnwood Fest. Where can I get information?
On the Internet at: http://www.lincolnwoodfest.com

When is Lincolnwood having their police auction?
The Police Department no longer holds auctions on site. We auction all items at http://www.propertyroom.com. It is all done on the Internet.

My power is out. Who should I call?
Call Commonwealth Edison and 1-800-EDISON-1 to report the power outage.

How to I get a FOID card?
Get an application from the Illinois State Police or on their website: http://www.isp.state.il.us/foid/firearms.cfm

What are the operating hours for the police station?
The Police Department building is open 24 hours, every day of the year. While certain divisions within the department only operate during normal business hours there is always staff on duty to handle emergencies and reporting of criminal and non-criminal complaints.

How can I get a child safety seat installed/inspected?
Call the Police Departments non-emergency phone number, 847-673-2167, and advise the officer that you would like a child safety seat installed or inspected. The officer will then connect you with the traffic officer who is in charge of doing all installations/inspections and an appointment can be set up to have the seat installed. This service is performed at the police departmet and is free of charge.

If I dial 9-1-1 from my home in Lincolnwood, am I talking to the Lincolnwood Police Department?
Yes, the Lincolnwood Police Department Communications Section answers your call. We will determine if you need police, fire or medical assistance. If you need police assistance, we will handle your call. If you need fire or medical assistance we will transfer your call to the Red Center in Northbrook, Illinois. Red Center dispatches the Lincolnwood Fire Department. It is important to let us know at the beginning of the conversation what type of assistance that you need.

If I misdial 9-1-1, what should I do?
Stay on the phone. Even if you hang up prior to us answering the phone, the call will go through and register as a 9-1-1 call. As long as you stay on the phone and tell us that you have misdialed the only thing that will happen is that the call taker or dispatcher will verify your phone information, such as the number, your name, and your address. If you hang up, the call taker or dispatcher will call you back and send an officer to your location.

When I call 9-1-1, why am I sometimes told to call back on a non-emergency line?
9-1-1 is for emergency calls only. An emergency call is one where there is a potential threat to life. Sometimes people will call 9-1-1 to ask a question or to report a non-emergency situation. We do not want to tie up emergency 911 lines with non-emergency calls, so we ask that you call our non-emergency phone number at 847-673-2167

Why does it take so long for an Officer to arrive?
Calls for service received by the Communications Section are prioritized based on several factors. Emergency Call Takers and Dispatchers will use answers to the questions they ask to prioritize the call. For example, a motor vehicle accident with injuries would have a higher priority than a theft that is not in progress. Calls with higher priorities are dispatched before lower priority calls.

Why is the dispatcher or call taker asking me so many questions and not sending an officer?
Police dispatchers and emergency call takers are trained to ask questions. It is their responsibility to obtain enough information to determine the priority of the call, and to assist responding officers. On in progress calls, the call taker or dispatcher will routinely remain on the phone while police officers respond.

Police Social Worker

What are the fees for service?
Counseling and advocacy services are free for Lincolnwood residents.

What should I know about the Police Social Worker's training background?
The Social Worker holds a Master degree in Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Since counseling is being provided at the Police Department do I have to worry about confidentially?
Confidentiality is strictly enforced. Counseling reports are kept separate from Police reports.

What is the availability of counseling services?
The Police Social Worker is employed as a part-time employee with the Village of Lincolnwood but is on call 24 hours for emergency situations.

What kind of issues do people request help with?
Issues such as domestic violence, parent-child problems, stress related issues and substance abuse issues.

Fire Department

Why do fire engines follow ambulances on emergency calls?
Many residents ask why fire engines follow ambulances on emergency calls. The answer is quality of care! The Lincolnwood Fire Department endeavors to give our residents the best care possible. All Lincolnwood Fire Department ambulances are staffed with two firefighters/paramedics. Each of the fire engines are staffed with at least one paramedic. In an emergency medical incident, additional staffing may be necessary to treat the patient and prepare him or her for transportation to the hospital. This additional staffing enables the responding crew to simultaneously complete different tasks for the patient's care. By having additional paramedics on hand, the care of the patient is improved, and the preparation time before transportation to the hospital is shortened. The fire engine often remains on the scene for assistance, but is available to respond to another emergency if another emergency call comes in. In the event that another call does come in and the closest ambulance to the patient is already on call, the fire engine crew can respond and begin treatment to prepare the patient for transportation before an ambulance arrives. The paramedic on the fire engine is capable of completing these tasks because of the equipment that is in place on each fire engine. Every fire engine is considered a Med-Engine - each is equipped with advanced life support equipment. For further information regarding the emergency medical services provided by the Lincolnwood Fire Department, please contact the Fire Department at the non-emergency number of (847) 673-1545

Why does the Fire Department break window and cut holes in the roof of a burning building?
When there is a fire, you may have seen firefighters breaking windows and cutting big holes in the roof. What they are doing is called ventilation. Ventilation allows smoke and superheated gasses to escape from the building. This prevents two dangerous conditions known as flashover and backdraft that could potentially kill firefighters or any other people still inside the building. It also decreases the temperature inside of the building and increases visibility so that firefighters can work more safely and effectively. While it may look like the firefighters are just breaking things, they are actually performing a critical task at a fire.

Why did I see another town's fire truck in Lincolnwood?
Lincolnwood is a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System or M.A.B.A.S. Division 3. This is an agreement that allows Lincolnwood to call for support, additional resources, and specialized teams if they are needed. It also allows other towns to utilize Lincolnwood's assets.

Human Resources

Where can I mail my application and/or resume?
Please email your cover letter, resume, and employment application to Human Resources, Village of Lincolnwood, 6900 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincolnwood, Illinois 60712 Unsolicited applications will be held on file for a period of one year.

Where can I download an application for employment?
You can download an application for employment by clicking (Here)

How can I receive a verification of employment for a former Village employee?
Requests for employment verification must be submitted in writing. You may fax your requests to (847) 673-9382. Fire Department employees are not included with this. Call (847) 678-4900 to verify Lincolnwood Fire Department employees.

Where can I find information on employment opportunities with the Village?
You may find current employment opportunities at the Job Posting Section