Rockford, IL Public Conduct: Loitering Rules (2026)

It shall be unlawful for a person to loiter or prowl in a place, at a time, or in a manner not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant alarm for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity.(b)Among the circumstances which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is warranted is the fact that the actor takes flight upon appearance of a peace officer, refuses to identify himself, or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself or any object.(c)Unless flight by the actor or other circumstances makes it impracticable, a peace officer shall, prior to any arrest for an offense under this section, afford the actor an opportunity to dispel any alarm which would otherwise be warranted, by requesting him to identify himself and explain his presence and conduct.(d)No person shall be convicted of an offense under this section if the peace officer did not comply with subsection (c) of this section, or if it appears at trial that the explanation given by the actor was true and, if believed by the peace officer at the time, would have dispelled the alarm. (Rev. Ord. 1936, § 1270; Code 1955, § 28-37; Code 1970, § 19-19; Ord. of 10-15-1951; Ord. No. 1978-13-O, 2-9-1978)