Auxiliary Police

The Berwyn Auxiliary Police established in 1946 has a proud history of community service to the City of Berwyn for over 75 years.  The goal of the organization is to assist the Berwyn Police Department and the City of Berwyn with all aspects of public safety and security of the residents of Berwyn.  Many of the original members were Veterans returning home from World War II who wanted to continue to participate in service to their community.  It started as a volunteer social organization to support city and school safety needs such as crossing children across streets to school, neighborhood watch efforts, just to mention a few.  The organization moved towards more professional service and relationship with the City of Berwyn in the late 1970s and early 1980s.  The Auxiliary Police Officers adheres to professional service standards, training, command and regulation structure. Berwyn Auxiliary Police Officers are appointed and fall under the auspices of the Chief of Police.

Today several members have a proud history of service to the Berwyn community of 10 years or more.  Some members of the Auxiliary Police qualify to work as Community Service Officers (CSO).  All Auxiliary Police personnel are required to successfully complete the mandated Illinois State Firearms Training Course and a four-month evening training program.  Some personnel provide security/police personnel to the Berwyn Park Districts and the Berwyn school systems. These activities are just some of the primary functions of the Berwyn Auxiliary Police.

The support that the Berwyn Auxiliary Police provide to the City of Berwyn is a very important one, relaying on a yearly contingent of around 60 officers.  The Berwyn Auxiliary Police are responsible for traffic control and citizen safety for all Berwyn community parades and events such as high school Homecoming, City Parades, Little League Parades, Independence Day fireworks display, YMCA and local organization walking and running events, City open houses, family festival days, and youth service programs.

Of primary importance to the Berwyn Auxiliary Police contingent is the responsibility for supporting the community policing and neighborhood watch efforts within the City.  All officers work weekdays and weekends throughout the year to support the various public safety programs within the City.  Officers also work neighborhood patrols to assist the Police Department with local enforcement problems such as illegally parked vehicles, acting-out youth, stray animals, music and noise disturbances, fire emergencies, prisoner watches, traffic control for accidents and severe weather conditions.  Officers also assist in the enforcement of all local ordinance and state laws as directed, including breach of the Peace, as well as other important support services.

Because of the commitment that the Berwyn Auxiliary Police Department makes to the City of Berwyn, ongoing and regular participation of all employees is extremely important and required.  To accomplish their organizational tasks and duties all members are required to attend all monthly meetings to schedule themselves for City details and events.  Each member has a supervisor whom they coordinate their assignments with, and members maintain monthly contact with their supervisor to participate in scheduled events and details, and to remain as a member in good standing.

The Berwyn Police Department recruits and appoint to the Auxiliary Force only those applicants who meet high ethical, moral and professional standards set forth by the Berwyn Police Department. Auxiliary candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Applicant must be at least 21 years of age.
• Have an accredited High School diploma or a G.E.D.
• No felony convictions, or convictions for misdemeanor crimes involving moral turpitude, or being a convicted sex offender, driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs or substances, or the possession, use, distribution, or sale of illegal substances or drugs.
• Must possess good moral character.
• Maintain average or acceptable physical fitness standards.
• Must possess a valid drivers license at all times.
• Must possess a valid FOID card at all times as auxiliary officers are not exempt from State of Illinois UUW state statutes, and current laws.