POLICE DIVISIONS
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is the largest and most visible unit in the Ottawa Police Department. The Patrol Division is commanded a
Police Lieutenant. The Patrol Division is staffed by four uniformed patrol teams, each led by a Police Sergeant. Patrol Division
staff respond to all 911 calls and are the first to respond to emergencies and calls for service.
Patrol Division Commander
Ottawa Police Department
715 West 2nd
Ottawa, Kansas 66067
Phone: 785-242-2561
Investigations and Support Services Division (ISSD)
The Investigations and Support Services Division is commanded by a Police Lieutenant. The ISSD is comprised of the Investigations Unit and Records Unit. The Investigations Unit is led by a Detective Sergeant and is staffed by up to four detectives, including the Drug Enforcement Unit.
The Records Unit is led by an Officer Manager who supervises police and municipal court clerks.
Detective Unit
The Detective Unit is supervised by a Detective Sergeant who also supervises the detective assigned to the Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit. The purpose of the Detective Unit is to conduct follow-up investigations on serious felony offenses including homicide, rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary and auto theft. Also, follow-up investigations on other cases requiring work outside of are referred to the Detective Unit.
To contact the detective assigned to your case, please call 785-242-2561 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Drug Enforcement Unit
The Ottawa Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department have combined resources to operate the Joint Franklin County Drug Enforcement Unit. Drug detectives investigate drug distribution and work closely with state and federal agencies to disrupt drug networks
that are harmful to the community. The Drug Enforcement Unit also provides educational programs for civic and business organizations designed to assist them in promoting a drug-free home and work environment.
Report drug information to DEU by calling 785-242-2561 Ext. 4DEU (4338). Callers can remain anonymous and leave a message at the phone
number, or use the Submit Tip link.
Records Unit
The Records Unit is supervised by an Office Manager who supervises the daily activities of the records unit. The unit manages the collection, storage and dissemination of official police records. In addition, the Office Manager supervises the daily activities of two Ottawa Municipal Court
clerks.
Community Outreach Programs and Services Division (COPS)
The COPS Division is commanded by a Police Lieutenant. Created in 2023 to improve police operations of specialized programs, the purpose
of the division is to deliver community outreach programs and supervise staff assigned to key community policing functions. The COPS Division includes STAR Team, Community Policing Unit, School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, Animal Control, Police K9 team and VIPS. COPS Division coordinates police department staffing for special events.
The COPS Division Commander is the STAR Team Commander and manages all Professional Standards Investigations. Additionally, the COPS Division Commander coordinates all department training and is the Public Information Officer for the department.
STAR Team
The Special Tactics and Rescue Team (STAR) is a team of highly trained department staff who are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to high risk incidents such as barricaded subjects, hostage situations, high risk warrant service, dignitary protection, missing persons
searches and active threat incidents, like active shooter incidents. STAR Team is comprised of members of the Ottawa Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Community Policing Unit
The Community Policing Unit was created in 2022 with a grant from the Department of Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to hire a Community Police Officer and Crisis Co-Responder to address non-emergency mental health crisis calls. CPU also is the department's primary liaison to underserved populations, such as homeless, elderly, and juveniles. To reach CPU please call 785-242-2561 Ext. 4CPU (4278) or by email at XX@ottawaks.gov
School Resource Officer
The School Resource Officer (SRO) is assigned to USD290 and reports to the division commander.
The SRO works primarily in Ottawa High School and Middle School, but can respond to issues occurring
within other USD290 educational facilities. The SRO is present during the school day, and during some
sporting events, to preserve the safety of staff and students and is not expected to engage in
administrative functions and school-related discipline. However, the SRO does participate in the delivery
of certain educational objectives related to careers in public safety and law and in the operation of
school based safety initiatives. While in the school environment the SRO is encouraged to serve as a
mentor to students seeking such guidance.
Animal Control
The Community Services Officer (CSO) reports to the division commander and is a commissioned police officer who investigates complaints of animal cruelty, abuse, or neglect and enforces the City and State animal control laws. The CSO rescues injured or sick stray pets and transports them to the Prairie Paws Animal Shelter for temporary care and housing. The CSO provides animal care tips, and educational presentations to individuals and organized groups. Prairie Paws is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. Normal CSO duty hours are from 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday unless animal control issues require adjustments to these hours.
Helpful Link: Dog License Application or Mail-In Dog License Application
