Residents near Villa Park schools may notice more police vehicles parked outside school buildings starting Thursday, Aug. 13. The Villa Park Police Department launched its annual familiarization tour program that day, and the patrols will continue through approximately Aug. 17–19, when local schools open for the new academic year.

The village stressed that the increased police presence is routine and not a response to any specific threat. In a post on X, the Village of Villa Park said residents may see more patrol cars near schools but should not be alarmed. The department described the program as an annual initiative, indicating it recurs each year before classes begin.

Villa Park is served by schools in three districts. Willowbrook High School, part of DuPage High School District 88, opens Monday, Aug. 17. District 45 operates four schools in the village: Ardmore Elementary at 225 S. Harvard Ave., North Elementary at 150 W. Sunset Ave., Jackson Middle School at 301 W. Jackson St. and Jefferson Middle School at 255 W. Vermont St. Those campuses open Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to District 45's website. John E. Albright Middle School, part of Salt Creek District 48, also serves Villa Park families.

The village's post referred to "the community's schools" without specifying which buildings officers will visit or what the tours involve. The department has not publicly detailed whether officers walk building perimeters, meet with school staff or review security features during the program.

The familiarization tours are separate from a planned police training exercise the department held at Albright Middle School on Aug. 4. The village announced that exercise on X beforehand, noting it would run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was not cause for alarm. Both efforts reflect the department's pattern of engaging at school sites before the academic year begins.

Residents with questions can reach the Villa Park Police Department's non-emergency line at (630) 834-7447.