Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are your administrative business hours?

A: The Police Department provides twenty-four hour service to the community and does not close. Administrative services, such as the Records Section, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Q: Are you currently hiring for the position of police officer and what are the qualifications needed to become a police officer?

A: The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners conduct examinations to establish an eligibility list during the spring and the fall. To obtain an application and qualifications please call the City of Carbondale Human Resources Office at (618) 457-3227 or download the information by accessing the link below:

Recruiting

Q: Will the Carbondale Police Department take my fingerprints for a job application or professional license?

A: The Carbondale Police Department will take fingerprints for job applications, a professional license, or adoptions. There is a $3.00 fee for this service. We do not take fingerprints for Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Q: Will the Carbondale Police Department provide extra patrols while I am away on vacation?

A: The Carbondale Police Department does provide extra patrol/house watch during a limited time for people who are out of town on vacation. Come to the Police Department and complete a House Watch form before you leave on vacation and call the Department upon your return.

House Watch Program

Q: What is bond?

A: When a person has received a traffic ticket or is arrested, they are required to post a bail, or a bond. This is a surety that the person will come to court. For a traffic ticket, a person can post $120.00 cash bond ($150.00 cash bond for more serious violations), or bail bond card. Bond for misdemeanors is $150.00 and a judge must set the bond for felony charges. Some minor traffic offenses require no cash bond, but the violator must promise to appear in circuit court by signing the ticket.

Q: What is the difference between an ordinance violation and a criminal violation?

A: The City of Carbondale is allowed to enact ordinances to cover building codes, traffic offenses, liquor offenses, etc. If a person is arrested for an ordinance offense, they cannot go to jail for that offense. It is considered a “fine only” infraction, and it is not a permanent mark on their record.

City Ordinance Site

Q: What is Court Supervision?

A: Court Supervision is a finding of the court, which allows a person to plead guilty to a traffic ticket or minor offense and not receive a conviction on his/her driving record or criminal record. It is a form of probation where the person must report to the judge and not commit another offense for a specified period of time. When persons successfully complete Court Supervision, they often have to pay a fine, but do not have a mark on their driving or criminal record.

Q: When should I call to report suspicious activity?

A: If you see some activity that you feel is suspicious in nature, please call 9-1-1 as soon as possible, explain the problem, location, and the description of individuals or vehicles. You do not have to leave your name. If you feel it is suspicious activity, it probably is. You are the one who is most familiar with your neighborhood. The Carbondale Police will respond as soon as possible and check out the suspicious activity in a professional and courteous manner.

Q: Does the Carbondale Police Department unlock vehicles for lockouts?

A: No, the Carbondale Police Department does not open motor vehicles in which people have locked their keys. Many vehicles' locking mechanisms these days are complex and require specially trained people to open them. We suggest you call an insured locksmith or tow truck company for these situations. We will attempt to open car doors in emergencies. In these cases we will attempt to unlock the car, but may be required to resort to other measures if the situation dictates.

Q: Can I pass a stopped school bus?

A: The answer depends upon the type of roadway on which the bus is operating.  For details about school bus laws, please access the following Illinois State Board of Education internet link:

http://www.isbe.state.il.us/funding/pdf/bus_safety_motorist.pdf