The Monmouth Police Department is providing information regarding an incident that occurred in mid-December 2022, in which an officer lost a department-issued service pistol with a single loaded magazine while enroute to an emergency call.
No public statement was made to date as it is not standard protocol for law enforcement agencies to release information about on-going internal investigations.
Upon discovering that the pistol was missing, officers initiated a thorough search of the surrounding area within minutes. This exhaustive effort continued over multiple days and covered more than two miles. Despite the intensive search, the firearm remains unrecovered. The firearm’s serial number has been entered into federal databases, Alderpersons and Mayor were notified immediately and relevant federal agencies were notified to facilitate any further tracking or recovery efforts.
Following an internal review, the officer involved received the maximum discipline permitted under both the governing union contract and the Illinois Officers’ Bill of Rights. For legal reasons, the officer’s name is being withheld, and the department is respecting the officer’s privacy and legal protections.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information that may assist in locating the missing firearm is urged to contact Warren County CrimeStoppers at 309-734-9363. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in this matter.
***Courtesy of the Monmouth Police Department***
