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

Apply online for entry-level or lateral entry positions. Please see recruiting procedures

2. What are your administrative business hours?

The Police Department provides 24-hour service to the community and does not close. Administrative services, such as the Records Section, are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

The Carbondale Police Department will take fingerprints for job applications, a professional license, or adoptions. There is a $25 fee for this service. We do not take fingerprints for Immigration and Naturalization Services.

4. Will the Carbondale Police Department provide extra patrols while I am away on vacation?

The Carbondale Police Department does provide extra patrol/house watch during a limited time for people who are out of town on vacation. You can complete an online form or come to the Police Department and complete a House Watch form before you leave on vacation. Make sure and call the Department at 618-457-3200 upon your return.

5. What is bond?

When a person has received a traffic ticket or is arrested, they are required to post bail or a bond. This is a surety that the person will come to court. For a traffic ticket, a person can post a $120 cash bond ($150 cash bond for more serious violations), or bail bond card. 

The bond for misdemeanors is $150 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.

6. What is the difference between an ordinance violation and a criminal violation?

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. Visit the City's ordinance website for more information.

7. What is Court Supervision?

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.

8. When should I call to report suspicious activity?

If you see some activity that you feel is suspicious in nature, please call 911 as soon as possible, and explain the problem, location, and 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.

9. Does the Carbondale Police Department unlock vehicles for lockouts?

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.

10. Can I pass a stopped school bus?

The answer depends upon the type of roadway on which the bus is operating. For more information about school bus laws visit the Illinois State Board of Education website.

11. What is the administrative tow fee?

The administrative tow fee is a fee the City of Carbondale Police Department is allowed by State statute to charge for any vehicle that is towed due to certain criminal offenses. View more information about administrative tow fees, including level 1 and level 2 fees.

12. Once I pay my administrative tow fee, how do I retrieve my vehicle?

In order to pay the administrative tow fee, you will need to show a valid driver's license, proof of ownership or an original, notarized release from the owner giving you permission to pick up the vehicle, and proof of valid insurance on the vehicle to the Carbondale Police Department. Once those items are provided, you will be provided a release to take to the tow yard.

The tow companies charge a separate towing and storage fee. That fee is determined by the tow companies and is not affiliated with the Carbondale Police Department. The tow fee is typically approximately $75 and there is an additional storage charge for each day the vehicle is in the tow yard. For more information on the administrative tow fee, please contact Records Supervisor Marcia Toliver at 618-457-3200, ext. 414.

13. How can I request traffic crash reports?

You can request a traffic crash report in person or via mail. An information exchange form is free of charge, but to obtain the full detailed report there is a $5 fee for each copy.

14. How can I request other police records?

To obtain police records you must file a Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A) request. Persons wishing to view or obtain copies must submit a written request to view and/or receive copies of records and submit it to Police Department Freedom of Information Officer Marcia Toliver.

Visit the City's Freedom of Information Act webpage for application information.