The Park Forest Police Department announced on Mar. 26 that officers made two impaired driving arrests and issued 57 citations during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement campaign, which ran from March 13 to March 23.
The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to reduce impaired driving and promote road safety, especially during holiday periods when incidents tend to increase. Authorities said that strong enforcement of traffic laws is intended to protect lives and deter dangerous behaviors on local roads.
During the recent initiative, police reported three seat belt violations, one child restraint violation, and 21 speeding offenses among the citations issued. Officers also wrote 32 citations for other traffic-related violations and made three arrests related to licensing issues or restrictions.
“We strongly enforce traffic laws for one reason—to save lives,” Deputy Chief Kristopher Vallow said in a statement. “Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or another drug, impaired driving puts everyone at risk.”
The St. Patrick’s Day effort was part of statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI” campaigns supported by state agencies and funded through federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Recent data shows a significant increase in DUI arrests in Park Forest over the past several years: police recorded 140 DUI arrests in 2025—a rise of nearly 59 percent from the previous year’s total of 88—and more than double the number reported in 2023.
Officials urge residents to plan ahead by using designated drivers or rideshare services during holidays or other high-risk times.
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health and engagement via dedicated commissions and programs according to the official website. The village has also received recognition for its sustainability efforts in town planning according to its official website.
The village operates under a council-manager government with a mayor and six trustees as its governing body according to its official website. In addition, Park Forest supports economic development through collaboration as well as educational opportunities such as its Civic Leadership Academy according to information provided online.
Police say enforcement will continue throughout the year with an aim toward reducing impaired driving incidents further.
