Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Can the Police stop me just for not wearing my seatbelt?

 

My 16 year old just got his license and wants to go cruising with several of his friends.  Isn't there some kind of restriction on this?

 

I heard something about a cell phone ban in Illinois.  Who does it affect?

 

Are there any special seatbelt restrictions for passengers in a car driven by someone under 18?

 

What number should I call if I want to make ask a police officer a question?  If I want to make a report about something that happened a few days ago?

 

I am concerned about identity theft.  Do you have any information that might be helpful to me?

 

Do you have any tips for around my home that will help me protect myself and my family?

 

Do you have any safety tips for when I am away from home?

 

Does the Quincy Police Department participate in any national or state level programs in regards to missing children and sexual offenders?

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have motorcycles?

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have a K-9 (police dog)?

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have a SWAT team?

 

 

Can the Police stop me just for not wearing my seatbelt?

 

Yes they can.   The Illinois Vehicle Code’s seat belt law was changed from a “secondary” violation to a “primary” violation.  Prior to this change law enforcement officials could not stop a motor vehicle solely on the basis of a violation of the seat belt law.  This law removes that exception, enabling law enforcement officials to stop vehicles solely on the basis of seat belt violations.  The law provides that a law enforcement officer may not search or inspect a motor vehicle, its contents, the driver or a passenger solely because of a violation of this law.

 

My 16 year old just got his license and wants to go cruising with several of his friends.  Isn't there some kind of restriction on this?

 

Yes there is.  The Illinois Vehicle Code provides that a person under the age of 18, who receives a graduated driver’s license, may not drive with more than one person in the vehicle who is under the age of 20 during the first six months of their license or until the person reaches the age of 18, whichever occurs sooner unless an adult is present. Exceptions to this passenger restriction are provided for siblings, stepsiblings, children and stepchildren of the driver. 

 

I heard something about a cell phone ban in Illinois.  Who does it affect?

 

Drivers under the age of 18.  On July 15, 2005 a new law became effective whereby a driver under the age of 18 cannot use a cell phone while driving.  The law does allow them to use the phone in an emergency.  There will be occasions where an officer will stop someone who, to them,  looks younger than 18 when in fact they may be 18 and older and in these instances unless further cause is found, the stopped driver will be allowed to go once their age is determined.

 

Are there any special seatbelt restrictions for passengers in a car driven by someone under 18?

 

Yes there are.  The driver of a vehicle who is under the age of 18 is responsible for making sure his passengers who are under the age of 19 are wearing a seatbelt no matter where they may be sitting in the vehicle, front or back.

 

What number should I call if I want to make ask a police officer a question?  If I want to make a report about something that happened a few days ago?

 

If you just want to ask a police officer a question, I suggest you call 217/ 228-4470 and ask to talk to the Watch Commander or officer in charge. If you want to make a report that is not an emergency, such as a burglary or criminal damage that occurred a few days ago, you will want to call 217/ 222-9360, which is the non-emergency number for the 9-1-1 Center.

 

I am concerned about identity theft.  Do you have any information that might be helpful to me?

 

Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.

 

Do you have any tips for around my home that will help me protect myself and my family?

 

Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.

 

Do you have any safety tips for when I am away from home?

 

Yes I do. Click on this sentence for the information you asked about.

 

Does the Quincy Police Department participate in any national or state level programs in regards to missing children and sexual offenders?

 

The department is very proactive in this area.  They are enrolled and active in the National AMBER ALERT and LOCATER programs, which work explicitly with reporting and finding missing children.  They also take a very strong stand on sexual predators and their registration of residency in our community.  For additional information and links to the National Missing and Exploited Children web site and the Illinois Sexual Predator listing click HERE.

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have motorcycles?

 

Yes they do.  They have two motorcycle officers that ride Harley Davidson Police bikes.  Click HERE for more information and to watch a video clip of a riding demonstration.

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have a K-9 (police dog)?

 

Yes they do.  They started off with one K-9, "Jake" who is now retired, and then obtained a second K-9 "Max".  For a period of time we utilized both dogs, but now we just have "Max" although we are looking into getting a second K-9.  For more information on "Max" and his handler Officer Darin Kent click HERE.

 

Does the Quincy Police Department have a SWAT team?

 

Yes we do.  Although we call our team the Emergency Response Team, more commonly referred to as the ERT Unit, they still are a special weapons and tactical team that is called upon for high-risk situations.  For more information click HERE.

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