Julie Smith

Julie Smith is Crime Prevention Specialist at the Naperville Police Department. Contact her at SmithJu@naperville.il.us or (630) 305-5450.

Focus on Safety – Don’t Give Thieves an Easy Target

Summer is here, and while longer days and warmer weather are welcome, they also typically bring an increase in vehicle related thefts across Naperville....

Focus on Safety – Breaking the Myths of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can unfortunately touch anyone and impacts residents in our own community daily. In 2025, the Naperville Police responded to nearly 1,200 incidents...

Focus on Safety – Safely Navigating Naperville’s Streets

As drivers, we have a responsibility to safely share the road with everyone: motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. With the growing popularity of electric...

Focus on Safety – Staying Safe in the Age of AI: Protecting Yourself Online

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not new, but it has grown rapidly in recent years. Today, AI can create audio, images and text so realistic...

Focus on Safety – Securing Your Valuables Inside the Home

This month, the Naperville Police Department continues its “A Safer Naper” initiative by focusing on burglary prevention. While we often remind residents to lock...

Focus on Safety – Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency scams are a growing problem. Over the past several years, Naperville residents have reported losing millions of dollars to cryptocurrency scams. These scams...

Focus on Safety – Calling 9-1-1

This January as part of the “A Safer Naper” campaign, we are focusing on the different ways to contact the police department. A way...

Focus on Safety – Roadway Safety: Traffic Crashes

This December, as part of our “A Safer Naper” campaign, the Naperville Police Department is focusing on roadway safety and preparing for emergency situations....

Focus on Safety – Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards

Everyone has their preferred way of paying for purchases. With the rise of contactless payments, card transactions have become the norm for everyday shopping,...

Focus on Safety – Practice Situational Awareness

This month, the Naperville Police Department’s “A Safer Naper” campaign encourages everyone to practice good situational awareness. Situational awareness is being attentive to surroundings to reduce risks and enhance personal safety. While it may sound simple, distractions and fast-paced routines make it challenging. Practicing this skill helps prevent crime, avoid accidents, and stay prepared.