Panhandling
Panhandling is not charity.  People that beg for money routinely annoy, harass and threaten people.  City Ordinance number 19-42 makes many forms of panhandling illegal. For the complete ordinance, click Panhandling Ordinance.  If you are bothered by panhandlers, please feel free to call the Police at 815-966-2900.  If possible, be prepared to give a description of the subject as well as the location of the offense.  If you are threatened, call 911 for emergency assistance.  To download a brochure, click here.  Cards have been printed that list services available to the homeless.  To print a copy, click here.

Community Services Unit
The Community Services Unit consists of Rockford Police Officers who are responsible for developing crime reducing and problem solving partnerships with the citizens and businesses in their areas. Officers within this unit employ both traditional and non-traditional methods to solve these problems. Officers may take an educational approach to problem solving by educating the business in their areas on the topics of armed robbery prevention, business security or work place violence. Citizens may receive training in the areas of home repair fraud, senior citizen scams or financial identity theft. Community Service Officers are also available to conduct home security surveys.
 
Contact your Community Services Officer
Rockford Police Department
Community Services Unit
815-987-5041