Coronavirus: Western Springs Cops Get Calls About Crowds

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Western Springs Police Department has been receiving calls about groups congregating in town, which violates the governor's stay-at-home order, Police Chief Brian Budds said Monday. In a public letter, the chief said the calls have come with the weather warming up.

Most of the complaints have been about gatherings in parks, Bennett Field at Lyons Township High School's South Campus and downtown, Budds said.

"I want to ensure our residents and businesses that the Western Springs Police Department takes these complaints very seriously and our police officers are conducting heightened visible patrol efforts by encouraging and educating our residents to practice social distancing while engaging in outdoor activities," the chief said in the letter.

If officers see apparent violations, Budds said, they will give courtesy requests to disperse. The department's primary goal is to obtain voluntary compliance and avoid ticketing or other punitive enforcement measures, which can compromise resident or officer safety, he said.

The chief said he wanted parents and guardians to remind their children of the importance of proper social distancing and the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.

On behalf of the department, Budds thanked residents for their "unwavering commitment and cooperation" in keeping the village safe.

Read more:

Illinois Coronavirus Update April 6: 11,256 Cases; 274 Deaths

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