COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY ORIENTED & PROBLEM SOLVING POLICING
The Cottage Grove Police Department is committed to Community Oriented and Problem Solving policing. This is a method by which the police and citizens join as partners to identify and solve problems in the community. When officers and citizens become involved together, each becomes organizers, planners and educators; this benefits the community and the individuals involved. This partnering is a change from the nature of police work. It allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness from the police and also the community to recognize, address and resolve problems. The end result is a new relationship that is formed, which makes our community a great place to live. We encourage citizen involvement. Please contact the department to see how we can work with you or your organization.
CITIZEN RIDE-ALONGS / DEPARTMENT TOURS
Interested citizens are welcome to ride along with an officer during part of a shift to see what we do during our day. Contact the department during business hours or an on-duty officer to make arrangements for this interesting experience. Tours of our facility and squad cars can be arranged through our business office. We look forward to having you join us during a shift or visit with us at our facility.
LOST & FOUND PROPERY
Over the course of time the department acquires various items of property that are turned over to us or found by officers. These items are maintained at the department and efforts to locate the owners are made through available serial numbers, identifying information or other descriptions. After a period of time, these items are disposed of if no owner is located or comes forward. If you have lost an item, please contact the department to see if we may have it.
CRIME STOPPERS
In conjunction with the Madison Area Crime Stoppers Program, the department participates in this project to provide a means by which information on crimes can be reported anonymously with the individual making the report eligible for a cash reward. Persons with information about crimes that have been committed or suspected criminal activity can call 266-6014 or submit them via e-mail.
AUCTION OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
The Cottage Grove Police Department utilizes the services of PropertyRoom.com to auction off all of our abandoned, stolen, lawfully seized, or unclaimed property of every kind and description, remaining unclaimed for 90 days or more.
Property Room makes our auctions available on an ongoing basis, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Items being auctioned included bikes, cars, rugs, electronics, jewelry, clothing, tools, musical instruments, sporting equipment and more.
Click here to view our items for auction at Property Room
WISCONSIN CRIME ALERTS NETWORK
What is it?
The Wisconsin Crime Alerts Network is another tool Law Enforcement can use to notify the public and businesses about crime and trends. Minnesota currently has the program and has been using it successfully for 16 years. It is estimated Minnesota solves an average of 1 crime a day using the system. The WI system is new and was rolled out in October. Businesses and individuals pay $12 per year to be part of the system and there is no cost to tax payers.
What is it used for?
The WI Crime Alerts Network links Law Enforcement with citizens and business in specified area (County, Region or Statewide) to utilize the public's assistance in locating fugitives, missing and endangered adults and for crime prevention. One example of its use is the hotel clerk who recognized a Wisconsin father wanted for kidnapping his 4 children when the suspect attempted to check into a hotel in Minnesota. The suspect intended on killing the children but was arrested before he could. Another example was the pharmacist who recognizes a suspect who is wanted for prescription fraud.
What it is not used for.
Amber Alerts
Run-away (unless extenuating circumstances)
Individual/single thefts
Who benefits?
Law Enforcement and the Community
The Cottage Grove Police Department encourages you to take the time to learn about the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network and how Wisconsin and you can benefit from this new law enforcement tool.