Crime Prevention

Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) Program

The City of Springfield is divided into eight “beats” for the purposes of police protection, and each beat is assigned a Neighborhood Police Officer. Rather than going from call to call, responding to emergencies, the role of the NPO is to coordinate the information provided by patrol officers, detectives, private citizens, etc. The NPO works closely with the neighborhood associations to form relationships and lines of communication with the individuals living in a given area. That way, the NPO will be aware of specific issues within those neighborhoods and can work with the appropriate people to resolve them, even after the street level officers have had to move on to their next call for service.

Enos Park is within the boundaries of Beat 800, and Officer Ryan Irwin is assigned to cover our area. Officer Irwin is an extremely valuable partner to the EPNIA and also works closely with our Housing Inspector regarding problem properties. The EPNIA tries to maintain a strong, supportive relationship with the Police Department and continually emphasizes to the city administration the vital role that the NPO program plays in our neighborhood. Ninth St. is the dividing line between Beats 800 and 900, and the Beat 900 NPO is Officer Bob Oglisvey. He frequently patrols the area with Officer Irwin, and they also attend the monthly neighborhood membership meetings to give reports on any recent activity in the area. 

Officer Bob Oglisvey (Beat 900) and Officer Ryan Irwin (Beat 800)

Neighborhood Watch Program

Improving the safety and security of the residents and properties in Enos Park is a primary mission of the Enos Park Neighborhood Association. By coordinating three different types of neighborhood watches the Association has been able to increase the number of eyes and ears working together to help their neighbors and the Neighborhood Police Officers to help prevent crime in our area.

Street and alley patrols check the neighborhood every three months to identify property with garbage on the ground, trash in yards or against garages and along alleyways, high grass and weeds, broken windows and doors, damaged roofs and gutters, and general unkempt or distracting image. To participate contact Owen Anderson at 217-528-9107.

Group walks and cookout patrols are held during the spring and summer to show neighborhood solidarity and support for our police force. Flyers are passed out to all residents with information regarding emergency procedures and contact numbers. A cookout for all Springfield police officers and residents who participate in the program follows the walk. To participate contact Steve Combs at 217-494-6668.

Car patrols are scheduled by 2 to 4 individuals at their own convenience for 1 to 2 hour tours. Magnet signs are attached to the car doors to identify the occupants as members of the Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association. The patrols have direct contact with the current on duty police officers to be able to report immediately any observed problems or suspicious activity.

Park District Police

Because there are two parks located within the boundaries of Enos Park, officers from the Springfield Park District also patrol the parks and surrounding areas.

In 2007, the Springfield Park District Police implemented the “SeeMore the Eagle” park policing program.  The renovation of Enos Park the following year added additional lighting throughout the park, rerouted the walking paths, and opened up the pavillion area for better visibility to deter negative activities. These combined efforts, along with the vigilance of the Park District Police and the Springfield Police Department, have made the park a gathering place for families and has significantly reduced loitering and criminal activity in the parks.