An unusual concentration of Department of Transportation (DOT) officers was observed at multiple intersections in downtown Lombard, Illinois, on Thursday, according to reports posted on social media. The increased presence, noted by multiple residents in a local online forum, prompted questions about a potential shift in traffic enforcement strategy.
The Lombard Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit, created in 1990, is responsible for a range of traffic-related duties, including child safety seat inspections, school zone enforcement, and impaired driving violations, according to village documentation. The unit currently consists of Deputy Chief Joe Grage, Sergeant Menolascino, and Officer Dan Herrera. Sergeant Menolascino specifically focuses on commercial motor vehicle enforcement, addressing issues like overweight vehicles that contribute to road damage and potential traffic accidents.
The heightened DOT presence follows the conclusion of the Lombard Police Department’s Halloween traffic enforcement campaign, which ran from October 24 through November 3, 2025. That campaign focused on identifying impaired and distracted drivers, and promoting seat belt and child safety seat usage. During the campaign, officers issued 68 seat belt citations, made 14 arrests for driving under the influence, and investigated 12 traffic crashes.
The Village of Lombard has prioritized traffic safety through a variety of initiatives, including participation in federally and state-funded enforcement programs like “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It Or Ticket.” These programs involve increased patrols during key holiday periods, including Fresh Year’s, Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, July Fourth, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays.
The Lombard Police Department also collaborates with the York Township Highway Department, which oversees the village’s transportation systems and infrastructure. The Highway Department is responsible for implementing plans to maintain an efficient and accessible transportation network. Concerns about road damage caused by commercial vehicles are a shared focus for both departments, as deteriorating road conditions contribute to traffic crashes.
The Lombard Police Department’s personnel includes 2 patrol officers assigned to the Traffic Unit, alongside 38 patrol officers, 6 sergeants, and 3 lieutenants. The department also employs 4 community service officers and maintains an Investigations division with 1 lieutenant, 1 sergeant, and 9 detectives/juvenile officers.
As of Friday, February 20, 2026, the Lombard Police Department has not issued a statement regarding the increased DOT presence observed downtown.
