Belvidere Police Department increases force for Fourth of July weekend

The Belvidere Police Department is beginning its “You Light It, We Write It” campaign.

In response to community complaints, the Belvidere Police Department is taking a zero tolerance stance on the use, sale, or possession of illegal fireworks for the 2016 season.

The police department will hire back several officers over the Fourth of July weekend to enforce fireworks violations throughout the city.

The police department believes that there can be a balance of good, family fun, while still being safety conscious and considerate of our neighbors.

The Belvidere Police Department has options when enforcing fireworks violations; in all cases any violation of the fireworks statute is a class “a” misdemeanor which is punishable by custodial arrest, or another option would be to cite the violator for a violation of city ordinance which is punishable by fine.

The officers have the discretion to decide which method of enforcement is appropriate based on the severity of the violation and circumstances surrounding the encounter.

Belvidere city ordinance mirrors the state law.

The Belvidere Police Department asks for the community’s cooperation in abiding by all laws and ordinances when it comes to the Fourth of July festivities.

The Belvidere Police Department encourages anyone having information regarding criminal activity or narcotics trafficking to call the Belvidere Police Department (815) 544-2135 or Crime Stoppers at (815) 547-7867.