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Welcome to the Ottawa Police Department website.  I hope you find the information helpful and take time to learn more about our department, programs, and people.  Recent updates to the website were designed to make this page interactive and provide you with the most requested information.

The department is internationally accredited through CALEA since 2015.  The department consists of 30 officers commissioned by the Kansas CPOST, 6 professional personnel.  The department is housed in the Ottawa Law Enforcement Center which houses the Police Department and Ottawa Municipal Court.

You will find a group of servant leaders in the department that promote and adhere to the mission and values of the department and City of Ottawa (Link to City of Ottawa Values document).  The department is engaged in our community through a wide range of programs listed here.  Our motto is OPD C.A.R.E.S-and you will find that officers are Community Engaged, Accountable for our Actions, Responsive to Community Concerns, Emphasize Officer Wellness, Safety First:

Community Engaged:  The department believes remaining engaged in our community helps detect, deter, and solve crime, plus provide the information and training programs our community wants.  We do this through signature programs and, at every opportunity by talking with community members.

Accountable for our Actions:  Being a CALEA Accredited organization means the department adheres to best practices in law enforcement through a formal review process.  Accreditation is ongoing and requires strict oversight to remain accredited.  The accreditation program requires CALEA to inspect about 25% of the department’s policy and procedures each year.  And in the 4th year the department hosts a Site Based Assessment, that includes a Public Hearing, and attends an international conference to sit in front of a panel to determine if the department continues CALEA Accreditation.

Responsive to Community Concerns:  Much of our work involves talking to residents and business owners about their concerns on crime, safety, and quality of life issues.  You can let us know those concerns by a phone call, email, social media message or walking into the station and speak to an officer.  After a complaint or concern someone will follow up and update you on the status of the concern.  If they do not, call me and I will find out more information and will return the call.

Emphasize Officer Wellness:  The people who work here are important.  I want the best equipped, best trained, and healthiest employees.  We focus on their physical and mental wellness to ensure they can deliver the best services possible.  Ensuring my staff is supported through their career is a priority-I want to hire great people and keep great people!  They are what makes the community safe for everyone.

Safety First:  Safety in our profession is an absolute.  We work in situations where others won’t.  We must keep ourselves safe so we can keep our community safe.  Working together in partnership with the community ensures we are there to work for YOU!