Our Programs
Court Monitoring
Court Monitors are trained staff who attend DUI and reckless driving court proceedings to observe, document, and promote accountability in the justice system. Their presence helps ensure transparency and fairness in how cases are handled across different courthouses. Why Court Monitoring Matters • Promotes public accountability in the courtroom • Identifies patterns and inconsistencies in court practices • Encourages fair and professional behavior from all court personnel • Increases public trust in the justice system • Can positively influence sentencing through consistent courtroom presence Court Monitor Responsibilities • Attend and observe DUI and reckless driving cases • Track judicial conduct, court procedures, and treatment of participants • Submit reports to AAIM for follow-up and review • Support improvements in court processes and public safety Requirements • Complete an application, interview, and background process • Undergo 3 months of paid training and probation • Commit to at least 16 hours per week • Maintain professionalism, impartiality, and respect Who Can Apply No legal background required — we welcome students, retirees, professionals, and anyone passionate about traffic safety. Where We Monitor Currently active in DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, and Winnebago Counties, and in Cook County (Daley Center, Maywood, Rolling Meadows, and Skokie). Interested in volunteering? Call us at 847-240-0027 to learn more and get involved.
DUI Pin Program
The DUI Pin Award Program honors law enforcement officers who go above and beyond in removing impaired drivers from Illinois roads. Started in 2001, this program—run by AAIM in partnership with IDOT—recognizes officers who have made 10 or more DUI arrests since January 1, 2001. Awards include a lapel pin, certificate, embroidered patch, and a letter of appreciation. Award Levels Available in increments of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 200, 300, and beyond. How to Apply Supervisors must complete and submit a simple form via email, fax, or mail Send requests to: info@aaim1.org Awards are free of charge to departments Please allow up to 2 weeks for delivery (more time if needed for ceremonies) Lost a pin? Contact us at info@aaim1.org for a replacement. Thank you for your dedication to DUI enforcement and traffic safety!
Drunkbusters - REPORT
DrunkBusters: Report a Drunk Driver – Save a Life DrunkBusters is a year-round program launched by AAIM in 1990 to encourage drivers to report impaired motorists. If your tip leads to a DUI arrest, AAIM rewards you with $100. Since the program began, over 8,400 impaired drivers have been removed from Illinois roads, and $770,300 has been awarded to tipsters. How It Works • Call police to report an impaired driver (usually via cell phone) • Officers must see the erratic driving before making an arrest If an arrest is made, the officer submits a verification form to AAIM • You receive a $100 reward Where It Runs Year-round: Boone, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties and Statewide: During major holidays Impact • In 2021 alone, AAIM awarded $18,700 in rewards • DrunkBusters has received national recognition from the National Safety • Council, Ameritech, and the • Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Quick Facts • Funded initially by a $10,000 donation from an AAIM member • Expanded briefly to Southern • Wisconsin and nationwide in the early ’90s Now funded through county-level programs and anti-crime contributions What Leaders Say “DrunkBusters helps make Illinois roads safer by empowering the public to take action.” — Jesse White, Former Illinois Secretary of State “This program makes removing drunk drivers everyone’s responsibility.” — Brian M. Cooper, Traffic Sergeant, Carol Stream PD
Prevention & Education Program
AAIM Prevention and Education Specialists service the Chicagoland Communities. Increase public awareness and knowledge about alcohol, drug misuse, impaired and distracted driving in the community.
Promote alcohol and drug-free events throughout the year, particularly in high schools, with appropriate emphasis on
high-risk events, such as homecoming, spring break, prom,
and graduation
Beyond Driver Education
This program targets high school students preparing to drive or have recently received their driver’s license. Teens learn about the dangers of impaired, reckless, and distracted driving, the impact of underage drinking and drug use on their developing brain and body, the effects of substance misuse, the importance of good decision-making, and essential traffic safety laws and regulations. Our program and topics can be modified to fit each school’s class schedule.
Promote alcohol and drug-free events throughout the year, particularly in high schools, with appropriate emphasis on high-risk events, such as homecoming, spring break, prom, and graduation
Beyond the Haze: The Cannabis Conversation
Youth Cannabis Prevention and Youth Cannabis Prevention for Impaired Driving offers interactive education for teens on the dangers of driving under the influence of cannabis, alcohol, and distractions. The program includes fun activities, real stories, honest discussions, and peer engagement to raise awareness, change attitudes, and promote safe habits. It also provides information on the health risks of cannabis, safe storage practices, and the importance of making smart, responsible choices to keep youth and the community safe. Other related topics can be addressed within the program as needed.
Our Awards
Sheila Forsner Award
FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE
This award is given in memory of Sheila Forsner who rose above her own tragedy and triumphed in educating and inspiring others.
Sheila, her husband, stepson and baby were traveling to our mom’s house when they were hit by a drunk driver. Three and half month old Alex, although strapped into his car seat, was killed instantly by the impact. Sheila’s stepson remained in a coma for several days and recovered physically over the following several months. Sheila’s husband remained conscious throughout, witnessing the unimaginable destruction of his family caused by one man’s choice to drive while intoxicated and impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Sheila remained in a coma for several months and, over the next five years, faced not only the intense grief of losing her son, her independence and the life she had with her family, she also faced the myriad of challenges caused by the traumatic brain injury (TBI) she sustained in the crash. She endured countless hours of physical, occupational and speech therapies. She had to re-learn many of the things we take for granted: how to literally breathe again after being taken off of a ventilator, how to eat, how to talk and find the most effective way to be understood as a result of her speech impairment, how to use the very limited movement she fought to regain in order to be as independent as possible. This consisted mainly of using her right arm as the TBI affected all of her motor skills and left her virtually a quadriplegic. She faced so many trips to the hospital as a result of complications due to her injuries, went into kidney failure and had to go on dialysis. Sheila died before she could receive the kidney transplant that had been scheduled.
A drunk and drug impaired driver killed Alex, Sheila’s first child, our parent’s first grandchild and our first nephew (in a family of six girls!). Alex was with us for what seems like the blink of any eye but his smile and ability to make others smile and feel such overwhelming love spans the years since the crash and defies the passage of time. One man’s choice decimated so many lives but ultimately did not take away Sheila’s independent character, strength, humor and compassion. These are the memories we keep of Sheila and Alex. There have been many additions to our family, nieces and nephews Sheila never met and who never had the chance to know Sheila. Alex will never know his older brothers and his cousins; his cousins will never know him. We talk about Sheila and Alex so the children in our family who never met them will know their names, hear about their lives so they can have the opportunity to have a sense of who they were and to know they are an integral part of the tapestry of our family. Sheila’s work with AAIM and her work with Pat Larson, which was so important to and valued by Sheila, resonate to this day and her family is so honored every year with the presentation of the Sheila Forsner Award. Sheila often told me that if, through her work with AAIM, she could prevent just one person from going through what she and her family experienced, then she would feel she had contributed something very worthwhile.
I believe she succeeded in her mission.
Patrice Heelan (Sheila’s sister)
Diane Mains Award
FOR OUTSTANDING
VICTIM WITNESS
AAIM developed an award in memory of Diane Mains to be presented to a State’s Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Representative for outstanding dedication to the needs of impaired driving crash victims and their families. Diane Mains, an AAIM victim advocate, died unexpectedly after heart surgery in August 2006. The recipient of this award will be determined each year by AAIM victim advocates.
Diane’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Caitlin, was killed by a drunk driver a week before her high school graduation in 2003. Diane turned her horrific sorrow into action by volunteering for AAIM and speaking at Victim Impact Panels to court DUI offenders. These panels are one way that crash victims and their families work to educate arrested drunk drivers about the impact of drinking and driving tragedies. Diane also spoke to high school students throughout the area as part of AAIM’s pre-prom prevention programs. Ultimately, Diane became a part-time victim advocate for AAIM in 2005 and was instrumental in developing a working relationship with the McHenry and Lake County State’s Attorneys.
In all of her efforts, Diane championed the cause of justice for the victims of impaired driving crashes. In honor and memory of Diane, AAIM is pleased to present the Diane Mains Award to acknowledge outstanding courtroom work assisting the victims of these crimes.
Drug Recognition Expert Award Program
This award was created in honor of Carol Stream Police Officer Daniel R. Stafiej's outstanding contributions to DUI-drug-related enforcement in Illinois. Officer Stafiej was a long-time Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), DRE Instructor, and a friend to AAIM.
The Illinois DRE-of-the-Year recognition goes to a certified DRE who has demonstrated outstanding contribution and commitment to the Illinois DRE program during the calendar year.
