When I first began requesting DUI and felony arrest reports from the West Chicago Police Department for our police blotter, I figured I’d see a few isolated incidents here and there. What I didn’t expect was how frequently these arrests occur—week after week, name after name. It quickly became clear: we have a major problem with impaired driving in West Chicago.
And I’m not the only one seeing it.
According to the Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM), West Chicago ranked 10th in the entire state of Illinois—excluding Chicago—for the number of DUI arrests in 2023. That year, DUI arrests jumped a staggering 184.7%, rising from 72 in 2022 to 205 in 2023. That puts our city among the highest in the state, and even more eye-opening: we had the second-highest DUI arrest rate per sworn officer (4.27) for any Illinois municipality with over 200 DUI arrests.
At last week’s city council meeting, this issue came into sharp focus when a representative from AAIM visited West Chicago to present awards to Officers Bertany and Chapman. Each of them has achieved over 200 career DUI arrests, and they were recognized with official certificates for their outstanding commitment to impaired driving enforcement. That’s not just commendable—it’s life-saving. Their efforts have no doubt prevented countless tragedies on our streets.
The work our officers are doing to get impaired drivers off the road is nothing short of heroic. As Police Chief Colin Fleury said in response to the AAIM survey, “Our officers’ unwavering commitment to enforcing DUI laws has been instrumental in this Department’s significant progress in combating impaired driving. This dedication enhances community safety and ensures safer streets for all who live in and travel through West Chicago.”
Much of this success stems from the department’s Targeted Response Unit, launched in March 2023 with one sergeant, a K9 team, and two officers. This specialized team was created to respond to community complaints about everything from speeding and car break-ins to drug activity and—yes—drunk and drugged driving. In 2024, the unit grew with the addition of two more officers and has already made 127 DUI arrests so far this year.
Let’s be honest: in 2024, there is no excuse for driving under the influence. Between ride-sharing apps, public transit, and old-fashioned cab companies, there are safe, affordable alternatives everywhere you turn.
Need a ride? Here are some easy options:
- Uber: Download on iPhone | Download on Android
- Lyft: Download on iPhone | Download on Android
- Local taxi services:
• Taxi Cancun, West Chicago – 630-876-5303
• Taxi Fiesta, West Chicago – 630-562-2060
There’s simply no reason to risk it. A $10–$20 ride home is a small price to pay to protect your life—and everyone else’s.
But as important as enforcement is, we also need to ask why so many people are getting behind the wheel impaired in the first place. DUIs are often just the surface symptoms of deeper struggles—addiction, depression, trauma, or economic stress. Nationwide, more than 21 million Americans are battling addiction. Only 1 in 10 will receive treatment.
That’s why here at the West Chicago Voice, we’ve chosen not to publish names in our police blotter. It’s not about shielding people—it’s about not piling on. One mistake, especially for a first-time offender, shouldn’t become a permanent black mark on their digital record. DUI arrests already carry serious consequences. Publishing someone’s name online can lead to job loss, social isolation, and further mental health decline.
We aim to inform—not to shame.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know help is out there:
- DuPage County Health Department Behavioral Health Services: 630-682-7400
- SAMHSA National Helpline (24/7): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- DuPage County 211: Dial 2-1-1 to connect to local services
To Officers Bertany and Chapman—and to the entire WCPD team: thank you. Your work is not only seen, it’s saving lives. And to the rest of us: let’s keep that momentum going with compassion, accountability, and real community conversations.
Let’s be the kind of city that not only protects its people—but also lifts them up when they fall.
— Heather, Editor-in-Chief, West Chicago Voice
Sources:
- Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists (AAIM) 2023 DUI Survey
Read the full report (PDF) - West Chicago Police Department DUI Enforcement Update – westchicago.org
