Mokena trustees voted Monday night to outlaw drug paraphernalia.
Police Chief Stephen Pollak said the town’s crimefighting strategy has emphasized prevention, especially for such offenses as marijuana possession, tobacco possession by minors, loitering and graffiti. The village also has an ordinance allowing police to question known street gang members, he said.
The measure was suggested by Mokena police officers as a way to get “more control” over drug cases, the chief said.
Neighboring towns, such as Tinley Park, Oak Forest and Oak Lawn, have enacted similar statutes.
A local law would take some pressure off the Will County Criminal Courts by permitting local settlement of drug paraphernalia cases, the chief said.
The ordinance prohibits possession, use, sale and delivery of drug paraphernalia. Violations could lead to fines ranging from $25 to $70.
“(The ordinance) pretty much mirrors the state statute,” Pollak said.