All links go directly to official Forrest, Illinois government websites.
About Forrest City Government
Annual Budget$1.2 million
Regular MeetingsPublic Sessions
The governing body of Forrest, Illinois, is the Forrest Village Board, which consists of six elected trustees and the mayor, making a total of seven members. Trustees are elected at-large for a term length of four years. The mayor, currently Mayor John B. Smith, is also elected at-large and serves a four-year term.
For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the Village of Forrest is $1.2 million. This budget encompasses various municipal services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Forrest Village Board holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Village Hall, located at 201 South Main Street, Forrest, IL 61741. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.
About Forrest, Illinois
Situated in Livingston County, Forrest is a quaint village that embodies the charm of small-town America. With a population of approximately 1,200 residents, this tight-knit community features a mix of residential neighborhoods that foster a strong sense of camaraderie among its inhabitants. Forrest is known for its rich agricultural heritage, which is reflected in its scenic landscapes and local farms. The village offers a variety of local amenities, including parks and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for families and individuals who value a peaceful, rural lifestyle.
The Forrest Police Department plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community. Under the jurisdiction of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, the department works collaboratively with county law enforcement to provide effective policing services. For those seeking information on arrest records or criminal history, the process is relatively straightforward. The Sheriff’s Office maintains comprehensive records, allowing individuals to conduct inmate searches or obtain information about past arrests. The sheriff's detention facility also ensures that individuals awaiting trial or sentencing are treated with dignity, and it provides resources for those in need.
Public records in Forrest are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, ensuring transparency and access to essential documents for residents. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, individuals can reach out to the Livingston County Clerk's office, which manages these important documents. Property records are accessible through the County Assessor's office, providing valuable information regarding land ownership and tax assessments. Additionally, court records, including civil and criminal cases, are available through the Superior Court, allowing residents to stay informed about legal proceedings that may affect them. Overall, Forrest offers a wealth of resources to its residents, ensuring they can easily access the public records they need.
About Forrest
Nestled in the heart of Livingston County, Illinois, the charming village of Forrest boasts a population of 1,019 residents who take pride in their close-knit community. This quaint town is known for its rich agricultural heritage, with scenic landscapes dotted by local farms that have been the lifeblood of the area for generations. Forrest offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, complete with parks, recreational facilities, and a strong sense of camaraderie among its inhabitants.
Police Department & Arrest Records
In addition to the Forrest, Livingston County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Pontiac Police Department, Fairbury Police Department, and Dwight Police Department, among others. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes, traffic enforcement, and community policing. The Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Livingston County Jail, located in Pontiac, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, with scheduled visiting hours and regulations that must be adhered to by visitors.
The bond or bail process follows Illinois state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions. Recently arrested individuals can be located through the jail's online inmate search tool or by contacting the facility directly.
Court Records
The Livingston County Circuit Court serves as the primary judicial body overseeing legal matters within the Forrest community. This court maintains a comprehensive database of public records related to civil and criminal cases, including information on filed lawsuits, court proceedings, and judgments. Individuals seeking to access case files, court dockets, or other legal documents can submit requests directly to the Livingston County Circuit Clerk's Office, which diligently manages these important public records.
By providing transparent access to the court system's proceedings, the Livingston County Circuit Court upholds the principles of open government and ensures that Forrest residents have the information they need to stay informed about the administration of justice in their community.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Livingston County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Livingston County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Background checks in Illinois can be conducted through the Illinois State Police, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports.
The Illinois Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for Livingston County residents seeking information on criminal records, ensuring transparency and public safety. These records are crucial for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and community awareness.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Livingston County are maintained by the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrested individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request or application. Arrest records provide comprehensive information, including the date and location of the arrest, charges, and any court proceedings.
Public Records Access
For residents of Forrest and the surrounding Livingston County area, navigating the world of public records is made easier through the Livingston County Assessor's Office. This local government agency maintains comprehensive records on property ownership, land use, and real estate assessments. Individuals seeking information on their home's value, property taxes, or zoning regulations can turn to the Assessor's Office, which provides detailed records and knowledgeable staff to assist with inquiries.
Whether you're a homeowner, a prospective buyer, or simply curious about the local real estate landscape, the Livingston County Assessor's Office is an invaluable resource for accessing the public records that shape the Forrest community.
Economy & Demographics
The local economy of Forrest is heavily influenced by the town's rich agricultural heritage and the thriving farming industry that has sustained the community for generations. Major employers in the area include Forrest Farms, a large-scale agricultural operation that specializes in crop production, and Livingston County Dairy, a family-owned dairy farm that has been a staple of the region for decades.
Additionally, the town's proximity to larger commercial hubs, such as Pontiac and Bloomington-Normal, provides Forrest residents with access to a diverse range of job opportunities and economic resources. By leveraging its agricultural roots and strategic location, Forrest continues to maintain a vibrant and prosperous local economy that supports the livelihoods of its 1,019 residents.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The safety and security of Forrest's residents are maintained by the Forrest Police Department, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. This local law enforcement agency works closely with the county-level authorities to provide comprehensive policing services, including responding to emergency calls, conducting investigations, and maintaining public records related to arrests and criminal history. Individuals seeking information on arrest records or inmate searches can contact the Livingston County Sheriff's Office, which manages these sensitive documents in accordance with Illinois' Freedom of Information Act. By collaborating with the county-level law enforcement, the Forrest Police Department ensures that the community's public safety needs are effectively addressed.
Vital Records
When it comes to vital records in Forrest, the Livingston County Clerk's Office is the primary point of contact. This office is responsible for maintaining official documentation related to births, deaths, and marriages that have occurred within the county. Residents in need of a birth certificate, death record, or marriage license can submit their requests directly to the Clerk's Office, which ensures the privacy and security of these sensitive documents.
Business & Licensing Records
For individuals and businesses operating within the Forrest community, the Livingston County Planning and Zoning Department is the go-to resource for navigating the local regulatory landscape. This department oversees a variety of public records related to commercial activities, including business licenses, zoning permits, and construction permits.
Whether you're looking to start a new venture, expand an existing business, or gain a better understanding of the area's development regulations, the Planning and Zoning Department can provide the necessary guidance and access to the relevant public records. By partnering with this local government agency, Forrest's entrepreneurs and business owners can ensure compliance and stay informed about the community's evolving landscape.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Forrest, Illinois are served by the Livingston County Clerk's Office, which administers all elections for the village and county. The County Clerk and Election Authority is located at 112 West Madison Street, Pontiac, IL 61764, phone (815) 844-2006 ext. 242, website livingstoncountyil.gov/departments/county-clerk. Forrest residents can register to vote online through the Illinois State Board of Elections at iovote.com, which offers registration, address updates, and vote-by-mail applications. The registration deadline is 27 days before any election, though Illinois also offers grace period and election day registration at designated locations. To register, Illinois residents must provide their driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Municipal elections for the Village of Forrest include the election of the Village President (Mayor) and six Village Trustees. These elections are held on a consolidated election schedule, typically in April of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.), as established by Illinois law. The next municipal election for Forrest will be in April 2025. Candidates for village office file nominating petitions with the Village Clerk at 112 East Livingston Street by December of the preceding year. Local ballot measures may also appear on municipal election ballots. Forrest voters can locate their assigned polling place by using the Illinois State Board of Elections' online polling place finder at iovote.com or by contacting the Livingston County Clerk. In the November 2024 general election, Livingston County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout, with over 22,000 ballots cast county-wide. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Forrest and Livingston County voters will decide several important races. Illinois will hold elections for Governor and all statewide constitutional offices, the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Dick Durbin, all Illinois House seats (including the 88th or 106th district depending on redistricting), and Illinois Senate seats in even-numbered districts. At the county level, voters will elect the County Board members, Sheriff, Circuit Clerk, State's Attorney, Coroner, and other county offices. State legislative candidates and county candidates must file with the State Board of Elections or County Clerk by June 2026. Illinois offers robust vote-by-mail options: any registered voter can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason by applying online through the County Clerk or State Board website, by mail, or in person. Applications must be received by the County Clerk no later than five days before election day. Early voting is available at the County Clerk's office and designated locations beginning 40 days before election day. Public election records in Illinois include voter registration lists (available to campaigns and certain organizations), campaign finance disclosures filed with the State Board of Elections and searchable at elections.il.gov, candidate statements of economic interest, nominating petitions, and certified election results by precinct. The Livingston County Clerk publishes unofficial election results on election night and certifies final results within two weeks, all available on the county website.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor + Partial Recorder | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Livingston County provides strong online access for property assessments, state court records, and business searches, though some recorder documents require paid subscriptions and jail rosters have limited detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the process for someone who is arrested in Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Forrest, Illinois, you will be transported to the Livingston County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Livingston County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Livingston County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2What are the school district and education performance data for Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois?
The Forrest area is served by public school districts in Livingston County, Illinois. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Illinois Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3What are the crime statistics for Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois?
Crime statistics for Forrest, Illinois are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Forrest Police Department on their official website. The Illinois Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois Library?
The Forrest Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Illinois government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5Where is the Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois Public Library located?
The Forrest Public Library main branch is located in Forrest, Illinois. Check the Forrest city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois?
Fingerprinting services in Forrest, Illinois are available through the Forrest Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Livingston County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Forrest, Illinois, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Livingston County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8About Police Reports
Police reports from Forrest, Illinois can be obtained from the Forrest Police Department or the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Illinois DMV.
9About background check
A background check in Forrest, Livingston County, Illinois typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Illinois criminal history report through the Illinois Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
Nearby Cities in Livingston County, Illinois
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: